‘Things changing, such events were earlier impossible’
Irfan Tramboo
SRINAGAR, Aug 31: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today hailed J&K’s growing sporting spirit, calling the ongoing day-night cricket matches in Pulwama and the recently held Khelo India Water Sports Festival in Srinagar significant achievements.
Speaking during his monthly radio broadcast ‘Mann Ki Baat’, the PM said that earlier, organizing such events in Kashmir was considered impossible, but, now, he said, things are changing.
He noted that amidst the devastation caused by floods and rains, J&K had also achieved two remarkable milestones where athletes displayed their talent.
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“Not many people noticed them, but once you come to know about these achievements, you will be delighted,” he said, while delivering the 125th episode of his broadcast.
The PM pointed out that a record number of people had gathered in a stadium in Pulwama where the district hosted its first-ever day-night cricket match.
“Earlier, this was unimaginable, but now my country is transforming. This match was part of the ‘Royal Premier League,’ in which different teams from J&K are playing,” he said.
Thousands of youth and cricket enthusiasts enjoyed the match, which he described as “a sight to behold.”
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Pertinent to mention here, the Royal Premier League (RPL) kicked off earlier this week at Pulwama Sports Stadium, attracting huge crowds for first-ever matches under lights.
Speaking with Excelsior, the league’s organizer, Irfan Sarkar, expressed jubilation over the PM mentioning the event in his program. He also voiced his wish to see the PM attend the RPL final as a special guest.
“I am happy, and the entire Kashmir is happy with this event. Our youth need to be kept away from drugs; and for that, such events are necessary” he said.
The second event, the PM said, was the country’s first Khelo India Water Sports Festival, held at Dal lake.
“What a special place that is to organize such a festival. Its objective is to make water sports more popular in Jammu and Kashmir. More than 800 athletes from across India participated, and women athletes matched men in participation,” he added.
Congratulating all the participants and winners, the PM said: “Special congratulations to Madhya Pradesh, which won the maximum medals, followed by Haryana and Odisha. I deeply appreciate the warmth and hospitality of the Government of J&K and its people.”
During the broadcast, the PM also interacted with Mohsin Ali, the first gold medalist of the Khelo India Water Sports Festival, praising him for bringing glory to the Valley.
“To share the experience of this event, I thought of speaking with two players-Rashmita Sahu from Odisha and Mohsin Ali from Srinagar. Let us listen to what they have to say,” he said.
Expressing joy over his achievement, Mohsin told the PM: “I am very happy to have won the gold medal in the inaugural event at Dal lake. There is a lot of talk everywhere, my whole family is happy, and in school, everyone calls me a gold medalist.”
The PM noted that Mohsin had now become a “celebrity” in Kashmir and asked how his interest in water sports began.
Mohsin recalled seeing a boat sailing in Dal lake as a child, after which his father encouraged him to pursue the sport, and later, his coach Bilquis trained him.
The PM lauded the successful conduct of the festival, saying athletes from across the country had participated.
Mohsin said participants were impressed with Kashmir’s beauty and facilities, adding that he had also traveled to Bhopal, Goa, Kerala, and Himachal for competitions and made new friends during the Srinagar event, where they explored places like Dal lake, Lal Chowk, and Pahalgam together.
“I have seen immense sports talent in J&K. Our youth should bring glory to the country, and you have proved it,” the PM told him.
Sharing his aspirations, Mohsin said, “My dream is to win a medal in the Olympics, to make the national anthem play for the country. That is my only dream.”
The PM remarked that Mohsin’s words gave him “goosebumps,” adding that the son of a labourer’s family dreaming so big was proof that India was destined to progress further.
Mohsin expressed gratitude to the Government of India for organizing Khelo India in Kashmir for the first time and said his school was celebrating his success.
Concluding the interaction, the PM asked Mohsin to thank his father for inspiring him and acknowledged the sacrifices made by his family. He also congratulated Mohsin’s coach for her dedication.
“I really enjoyed talking to you,” the PM said, extending his best wishes. Mohsin replied with gratitude: “Thank you, Sir. Namaskar, Jai Hind!”
Modi praised Odisha’s canoeing athlete Rashmita Sahu for her exceptional journey in water sports and her recent triumph at the Khelo India Water Sports Festival held at Srinagar’s Dal lake.
PM commended Rashmita’s determination and her father’s support in enabling her to pursue sports despite various challenges.
“Please convey my regards to your father for his encouragement. My best wishes are with you,” Modi said, concluding the conversation with a heartfelt “Jai Jagannath.
Sharing her journey, Rashmita revealed how she was inspired by canoeing activities near her village and, with her father’s support, joined the SAI Sports Centre at Jagatpur to pursue her passion.
Reflecting on her debut in Kashmir, Rashmita shared with the Prime Minister that she won two gold medals-one in the singles 200m event and another in the 500m doubles event. “It was my first time in Kashmir, and the experience was truly wonderful. Winning two gold medals made it even more memorable,” she said.
In addition to water sports, Rashmita shared her passion for running and football, mentioning that she has always been an all-rounder in school athletics. She encouraged young athletes, particularly girls, to not give up sports due to societal or academic pressures.
“Sports not only bring medals to the country but also keep us healthy. The Khelo India scheme is supporting many children financially and motivating them to keep progressing,” she said.
Meanwhile, speaking with Excelsior, Mohsin’s coach and Competition Director for the first Khelo India Water Sports Games in Srinagar, Bilquis Mir, said that the PM’s words were inspiring for athletes and would encourage them to achieve more.
“It is a proud moment and a great source of encouragement for athletes. His (Mohsin’s) dream of representing India in the Olympics will be further strengthened by the PM’s words of support,” she said.
Mir added that canoeing could be a game-changer for India in the next Olympics and has the potential to raise the country’s ranking from 70 to 20. “The journey that began from Dal lake will continue, and he will make India proud at the international level,” she said.
Notably, Mir is a renowned Olympian and the first Indian woman to become an Olympic jury member.
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