Do not choose shortcuts: PM to youth

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday advised the youth against choosing shortcuts to success adding “shortcuts will cut you short.” Inaugurating the 11th Khel Mahakumbh in Gujarat, the Prime Minister said, “There is only one mantra for success- long-term planning, and continuous commitment.” He said that “neither a single victory can ever be our last stop, nor can a defeat.” Talking about the sports ecosystem in the country, the Prime Minister said, “There was a time when India was  known for only one or two sports. The required attention was not paid on building sports infrastructure.” That process was stalled, the PM said. He said that lack of transparency in the selection of players was also a big factor behind India’s poor record in sports. He said that the situation has changed in past couple of years. “The youth of the country are touching the sky with glory today. The glow of gold and silver also boosts the confidence of the country. The world’s youngest country is emerging as a big force in sports,” he said. The Prime Minister said that India has won 7 medals for the first time at the Tokyo Olympics and a similar performance was shown at the Tokyo Paralympics. “But that’s just the beginning. India is not going to stop,” he said. The Prime Minister appealed parents of the youth not to hold them back if they are interested in sports. “Let them pursue their dreams and do something big for the country,” he said. Khel Mahakumbh was started in 2010 in Gujarat when the PM was the Chief Minister of the state. From 16 sports and 13 lakh participants in the beginning, the Khel Mahakumbh today encompasses 36 general sports and 26 para sports. Over 45 lakh sportspersons have registered for 11th Khel Mahakumbh, the PMO said.