Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the nation from the historic Red Fort for the 12th time on the occasion of the 79th Independence Day, dedicated a significant portion of his 103-minute speech to the future of sports in India. He emphasised that the newly passed National Sports Policy (NSP) 2025 will be a game-changer in taking sports to every corner of the country, creating an environment where talent from rural and remote areas can shine on the world stage.
Highlighting a major cultural shift, Modi applauded the evolving mindset of Indian families towards sports. “Earlier, many parents viewed sports as a distraction from studies. Today, if a child wants to pursue sports, parents feel proud. This change is a very promising sign for our nation’s future,” he said.
The Prime Minister credited initiatives like Khelo India for laying the foundation for a complete sports ecosystem — from grassroots training in schools to nurturing Olympic-level athletes. He stressed that the NSP 2025 will help bridge the gap between rural talent and international opportunities, ensuring sports development is truly inclusive.
The NSP 2025 replaces the two-decade-old 2001 policy and sets a bold vision — not only to boost India’s sporting culture but also to position the country as a serious contender for global honours, including the 2036 Olympic Games.
