New Delhi [India], July 27 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the 124th episode of his monthly radio address Mann Ki Baat on Sunday, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to boosting innovation in the sports sector by extending support to startups across sports management, technology, and manufacturing.
Highlighting the significance of the newly introduced Khelo Bharat Niti 2025, the Prime Minister said, “Over the past few days, I’ve received many messages from young athletes and their parents. They have expressed great appreciation for the Khelo Bharat Niti 2025. The goal of this policy is clear—to make India a sporting superpower. Villages, the poor, and daughters are the top priorities under this initiative. Schools and colleges will now integrate sports into daily life.”
PM Modi emphasized the importance of self-reliance in sports equipment manufacturing, saying, “Imagine the strength of our mission for Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) when the youth of our nation play with self-made rackets, bats, and balls.”
The Prime Minister’s remarks come as India marked the ninth anniversary of the Startup India initiative on January 16, 2025. Since its launch in 2016, the program has dramatically transformed India’s entrepreneurial landscape. According to the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), over 1.59 lakh startups have been officially recognized as of January 15, 2025.
India has firmly established itself as the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem, fueled by more than 100 unicorns. Major innovation hubs like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi-NCR have led the way, while smaller cities and towns are also emerging as contributors to the nation’s dynamic startup momentum.
In the same broadcast, PM Modi also highlighted the growing potential of India’s textile sector. “Textiles in India are not just an industry—they are a vibrant reflection of our cultural heritage,” he said. “The textile and apparel market is expanding rapidly, and what is most heartening is that women from villages, urban designers, elderly weavers, and young entrepreneurs are all contributing collectively to this growth.”
He also recalled the significance of the Swadeshi Movement, underlining how it empowered local artisans and elevated indigenous handloom products. In tribute to this legacy, the nation observes National Handloom Day every year on August 7.
“This year marks the 10th anniversary of National Handloom Day,” PM Modi noted, encouraging citizens to support local craftsmanship and celebrate India’s rich handloom heritage.
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