Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off ‘Run for Rio’ from Major Dhyanchand National Stadium near India Gate in Delhi today 31st July 2016. Around 20,000 aspiring students took part in the same, said reports.
Addressing at the event, Modi said,
“I am sure our athletes will win hearts of the world and will show the world what India is about. Every athlete has worked hard to get to the Olympics.”
According to reports, The Prime Minister said that
the administration had taken measures to advance Indian athletes to Rio Olympics well in advance so as to acclimatise them to the conditions. “As per norms, players are taken to the venue two days before the start of every Games. This time we are sending the contingent in advance, so that players are familiar with local conditions,”
Claiming that his administration had managed ‘tremendously’ for games in the nation over the last 2 years, Modi said that the administration had allocated special funds to give the athletes Indian food in the event in order to give them maximum aid.
He also stated that the government had allotted equal allowances to both the players and the officials, say reports. Earlier the officials used to be paid $100 while the player received $50.
Modi asserted that Indian administration has spent around 30 lakhs to 1.5 crores on each athlete. The management has made the total estimates of 125 crores for the Rio events.
Mr Modi also showed his faith that one player from every district in India would be equipped to stand for the country by the time the 2020 Games appear. For this, he planned the requirement of training youths in games that Indians do not normally play.
Ending his speech, Modi said,
“The games give a message of brotherhood. I convey my best wishes for the Rio games.”
The Rio Olympics will held from August 5, 2016, to August 21, 2016.
