Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri Highlights India’s Transformation Through Khelo India and Fit India

Hardeep Singh Puri has highlighted the rapid transformation taking place across India, pointing to initiatives such as Khelo India and Fit India as important drivers of change. Speaking about the country’s development journey, the Union Minister said India’s progress should not be measured only through the number of medals won by its athletes, but also through the broader transformation taking place across society.

According to Puri, India has moved from being a roughly two-trillion-dollar economy to a four-trillion-dollar economy, reflecting the scale of economic expansion witnessed in recent years. He said the country’s development is being supported by initiatives aimed at improving participation, infrastructure and opportunities for young people.

Khelo India and Fit India Driving Change

Puri emphasised the role of the Khelo India and Fit India programmes in encouraging citizens, particularly young people, to participate in sports and adopt healthier lifestyles.

The Union Minister said the growing focus on sports is part of a larger transformation taking place in the country. While medals and sporting achievements remain important indicators of progress, he stressed that the development of sporting infrastructure and increased participation are equally significant.

He pointed to the growing availability of facilities for people who want to pursue sports, noting that government departments and public-sector organisations are allocating budgets to support sporting activities.

Greater Opportunities for Young Athletes

The expansion of sporting facilities is expected to provide young athletes with more opportunities to train and develop their skills. Puri said the children and young people participating in such programmes would be among the major beneficiaries of India’s long-term development vision.

He linked these opportunities to the broader objective of building a stronger India by 2047, saying that today’s children will play a central role in shaping the country’s future.

Large-Scale Participation Across India

Puri also highlighted the scale of participation in the programme, noting that activities were being organised across around 1,600 locations.

He described the initiative as a well-organised programme involving extensive public participation, including the involvement of sports personalities.

According to the Union Minister, such large-scale engagement demonstrates the growing interest in sports and fitness across the country.

The participation of athletes and sports figures also provides an opportunity to inspire young people to consider sports as a serious pursuit, while encouraging wider public involvement in physical activity.

Sports Infrastructure Receives Greater Attention

Another key point raised by Hardeep Singh Puri was the development of sports infrastructure. He said people who want to pursue sporting activities now have access to more facilities than in the past.

The government and public-sector institutions are allocating resources towards sports, helping create an ecosystem in which athletes can train and compete more effectively.

Improved infrastructure can also contribute to the development of grassroots sports by giving children and young people opportunities to participate from an early age.

Building a Stronger Sporting Ecosystem

The Union Minister suggested that the impact of current investments will extend beyond individual sporting achievements. A stronger ecosystem can support athletes, coaches, institutions and communities while encouraging greater participation at different levels.