PM Modi’s message of Khelo India is transcendental, India going beyond cricket: SK Narvar

In a recent interview, S K Narvar, Chairman, Capital India Corp, spoke about how Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision has energized the Indian sports fraternity to compete and win globally.

Below are the excerpts:

Ques: In the context of the recent Thomas Cup win, what are your views on the evolving sporting culture in India?

SK Narvar: Why only Thomas Cup? There’s boxing too! Congratulations to the Indian shuttlers and their contingent for making India only the sixth nation to win the prestigious badminton title. And also to Nikhat Zareen for breaking all stereotypes to clinch the World Boxing Championship title. India is going beyond cricket, as other sports are rising to prominence.

Ques: Have Indian sports arrived on the global stage?

SK Narvar: To be fair and objective, Indian sports is getting noticed in the global sporting arena. Who could have thought India would win the first individual gold in Javelin? Indian hockey has made a comeback. India is consistently doing well in swimming, wrestling, weightlifting, badminton, tennis, and other sporting categories. It is helping various sporting categories garner public interest and attract talent.

Ques: What could be the factors leading to the shift?

SK Narvar: Under PM Modi’s leadership, initiatives like Khelo India and Fit India promote sporting culture across all age groups in the country. There has been increased investment in building world-class sporting infrastructure and training facilities and ensuring global exposure for players. Also, the government has strongly focused on depoliticizing sports and creating transparency.

A new sense of self-belief has been instilled in the youth and Indian sporting fraternity. It has led to significant attitudinal change. Sports is now seen as a career option. The rewards and laurels won by the likes of Neeraj Chopra, and Thomas Cup winners are helping change the conventional outlook towards sports.

Ques: What dividends can India hope to gain by establishing itself as a world-class sporting nation?

SK Narvar: Establishing India as a sporting nation is more than just gaining laurels on the field. Modi Ji summarizes the importance of sporting excellence perfectly when he said, “The country’s image is not just about economic and military strength. The soft face of a country also makes a difference. Sports are one such soft power which can capture the world’s attention to India.” The message from the PM is transcendental and is a guiding light for Indian sports.