What Sports Milestones Did PM Modi Highlight in J&K?

New Delhi, Aug 31 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday emphasized the significant advancements India is achieving in sports, highlighting the successful execution of the Royal Premier League and the 'Khelo India Water Sports Festival', both held in Jammu and Kashmir.

During the 125th episode of his monthly radio program, 'Mann Ki Baat', the Prime Minister remarked, "In spite of the destruction caused by floods and rains, Jammu and Kashmir has reached some extraordinary milestones that have largely gone unnoticed. Once you discover these achievements, you will feel great joy. In J&K's Pulwama, a record crowd gathered at a stadium for the first-ever day-night cricket match in the area, an accomplishment once deemed impossible."

He pointed out that this match was part of the Royal Premier League, showcasing multiple teams from across Jammu and Kashmir.

"Thousands of individuals, particularly the youth, enjoying cricket at night in Pulwama -- it was a spectacular scene," he added.

The Prime Minister also praised the country's inaugural 'Khelo India Water Sports Festival', which took place at the picturesque Dal Lake in Srinagar.

"What a remarkable venue to host such a festival. Its purpose is to enhance the popularity of water sports in J&K. Over 800 athletes from across India took part, with female athletes nearly matching male participation," he stated.

In recognizing the participants, PM Modi noted that athletes from Madhya Pradesh won the highest number of medals, followed by competitors from Haryana and Odisha.

"I commend the hospitality and warmth of the government of Jammu and Kashmir and its residents," he remarked.

The Prime Minister also recounted his conversations with two athletes from the water sports festival -- Rashmita Sahoo from Odisha and Mohsin Ali from Srinagar.

Wishing Rashmita congratulations on her achievements, he inquired about her sporting journey. Rashmita mentioned that she began her career in 2017 with canoeing and has since participated in numerous national-level championships, accumulating an impressive 41 medals, including 13 gold, 14 silver, and 14 bronze.

Turning to Mohsin Ali, PM Modi congratulated him on winning a gold medal at the festival. Mohsin expressed that people throughout Kashmir were proud of his success and appreciated hosting participants from various states. He also noted that visitors admired the hospitality of the Kashmiri people.

Additionally, Mohsin thanked the Modi government for motivating the youth in the union territory to take the lead in sports.