Kolkata: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who interacted virtually with sportspersons from across the country on Thursday—the final day of the Sansad Khel Mahotsav—held an extended interaction with players from the state. His conversation with school-going hockey player Gunvansh Chhetri was among the longest of the session.
Twelve-year-old Chhetri, a hockey player from Kalimpong, was selected to interact with PM during the virtual programme. The son of a former Indian hockey team captain at the 2012 Olympics Sunil Chhetri, told Modi that he wakes up at 5 am every day to attend practice.
Modi asked Chhetri whether he prefers his father to be present on the ground during matches or if he feels afraid of being scolded for making mistakes. "My father gives me tips to improve my game. He has never allowed me to be overconfident. He has taught me how to play with ease even under pressure," Chhetri told PM.
"Kalimpong is one of the smallest districts in the country, and PM Modi chose to interact with a player from that region. It shows his resolve to encourage people from the Hills as well as the smaller areas. The opportunity to go live with PM will always be encouraging to any player," said Darjeeling MP Raju Bista.
State MPs were also present at the programme along with players from their respective regions. "He couldn't speak to everyone due to the paucity of time. But it was evident that Bengal was given more importance. We have earlier arranged football tournaments too," Ranaghat MP Jagannath Sarkar said.
"The confidence I witnessed within these players fills millions of the country's youth with the same spirit. That's why, in startups, space, science, and sports, India's youth have been waving their flag high in every field," Modi said.
Modi added that through initiatives such as the Sansad Khel Pratiyogita, the govt is supporting athletes in every possible way. "I am happy to know that you have received such a good platform to play and showcase your talent… People from all walks of life, from cities to villages, are involved in this event. The youth have set new milestones through this event," he said.