Indian sportsmen could not perform well in the past due to nepotism and corruption but his government has cleaned up the system, he said on the occasion. Speaking at a gala ceremony at Narendra Modi Stadium in Motera area here, he praised Indian athletes for winning medals in various international events such as Olympics in recent times.
Honorable Prime Minister, Shri. @narendramodi declares the #36thNationalGames open! #NationalGames2022 https://t.co/Ekm5jwEa1q
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“The country’s sports people were capable in the past too. This medal movement could have started earlier too. But, instead of professionalism, there was nepotism and corruption in the sport. We cleaned up the system and infused a new confidence among young people,” he said in his speech to the cheering crowd. “Your victory in sports will pave the way for the success of the country in other fields. The soft power of sports will greatly improve the image of our country in the world,” he told the sportsmen.