President Murmu highlights India’s progress in sports

New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu on Friday highlighted India's strides in developing a "world-class sports ecosystem" and lauded the country’s recent successes in international competitions, including the Olympics, Paralympics, and the World Chess Championship.

The government, she said, has taken "significant steps" to strengthen the sporting infrastructure through initiatives like the Khelo India Scheme and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS).

In her address to the joint sitting of Parliament, she also pointed to the establishment of the National Sports University as a crucial step in this direction.

"A special sports centre for Divyang athletes has been opened in Gwalior," she announced, underscoring the government’s commitment to inclusive sports development.

The President praised India’s athletes for their consistent excellence on global platforms, saying, "Our teams, whether at the Olympics or the Paralympics, have delivered outstanding performances."

She also noted the country’s growing dominance in chess, citing India's remarkable success at the World Chess Championship.

Murmu further emphasised the role of fitness in nation-building, pointing to the Fit India Movement as a key initiative to empower the country’s youth.

"Through the Fit India Movement, we are building a strong and empowered youth force," she said.