New Delhi:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi flags off "Run for Rio" in Delhi from Major Dhyanchand National Stadium near India Gate.
Here are the highlights: - Every player has worked hard to get here. They will surely give their best.
- Am sure our athletes will win hearts the of the world and will show the world what India is about.
- The sports that we do not indulge in, youngsters can be trained to excel in such sports till the next Olympics
- When the 2020 games take place, let every district affirm that one athlete from our district will represent India at those games.
- During our term in office so far, we have focussed tremendously on sports.
- As per norms, players are taken to the venue two days before the start of every Games.
- This time we are sending the contingent in advance, so that players are familiar with local conditions.
- Two years ago itself, we started to study the reasons why our sportspersons were criticised so that we had enough time to work on them.
- This year we have allotted special funds to provide the players Indian food in Rio in order to give them utmost comfort.
- Indian official who goes with the contingent gets 100 dollars while player gets only 50 dollars.
- To get rid of this practice we have allotted equal allowances to both the players and the officials.
- Indian government has spent between 30 lakhs to 1.5 crore on each player. Government prepared a total budget of 125 crores.
- On 15th August when we shall unfurl our Indian flag, I am sure that in Rio too we will get a chance to unfurl our Indian flag.
- I convey my best wishes for the Rio games. The games give a message of brotherhood.
- Sports is a necessity of life. Let everyone play and shine.