Prime Minister in the 125th episode of Mann Ki Baat highlighted the role of sports in national unity and progress, drawing special attention to Odisha’s canoeing champion Rashmita Sahoo.
He praised her journey, her victories at the recently held Khelo India Water Sports Festival in Srinagar, and her determination to inspire young athletes.
Natural Disasters and Relief Efforts
The address opened with concern over the floods and landslides that have caused widespread devastation across India in recent weeks. The Prime Minister expressed grief for families who lost loved ones and lauded the efforts of NDRF-SDRF teams, security forces, local administrations, and citizens for their tireless relief work.
Spotlight on Jammu & Kashmir
He hailed two major sporting milestones in Jammu and Kashmir – Pulwama’s first-ever day-night cricket match and the inaugural Khelo India Water Sports Festival at Dal Lake, Srinagar, which saw participation from over 800 athletes across the country. Madhya Pradesh topped the medal tally, followed by Haryana and Odisha.
Conversation with Rashmita Sahoo from Odisha
One of the highlights of the episode was the Prime Minister’s interaction with Rashmita Sahoo, a canoeing player from Odisha, who won two gold medals at the water sports festival.
Conversation Excerpts:
PM: Rashmita, congratulations on your success in the world of sports. Tell us about your journey.
Rashmita: I am from Odisha and started canoeing in 2017. I have participated in National Championships and Games, winning 41 medals – 13 gold, 14 silver and 14 bronze. I first came across canoeing when I saw boats in a river near my village. With encouragement from my father, I joined the SAI Sports Centre in Jagatpur.
PM: You went to Kashmir for the first time for the Khelo India festival. How was the experience?
Rashmita: It was very special. I participated in the singles 200m and doubles 500m events and won gold in both. The atmosphere was electrifying.
PM: What are your hobbies apart from sports?
Rashmita: I love running and playing football. In school, I was a champion in every event I took part in.
PM: What message would you give young aspirants?
Rashmita: Many children, especially girls, are not allowed to step out or give up sports due to exams. Schemes like Khelo India are helping athletes financially and motivating them to continue. My message is – don’t quit. Sports not only brings medals but also keeps you healthy.
The Prime Minister appreciated Rashmita’s determination and acknowledged her father’s role in supporting her sporting dreams despite difficulties.
Mohsin Ali of Kashmir Also Felicitated
The Prime Minister also interacted with Mohsin Ali from Srinagar, who won the first-ever gold medal at the Khelo India Water Sports Festival. Mohsin expressed his dream of winning an Olympic medal for India.
‘Pratibha Setu’ and Other Announcements
The Prime Minister announced the launch of Pratibha Setu, a digital platform to help capable UPSC candidates who narrowly missed final selection to find employment opportunities through private companies.
He also spoke about inspiring stories of patriotism, solar energy adoption by farmers, and highlighted upcoming occasions including Engineers’ Day, Vishwakarma Jayanti, and Hyderabad Liberation Day.
Emphasis on Swadeshi and Festivals
Closing the address, the Prime Minister urged people to celebrate Ganesh Utsav and upcoming festivals with a focus on Swadeshi products, reiterating the mantra of “Vocal for Local” and the goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
