New Delhi, August 27, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday highlighted the importance of sports and fitness in everyday life, recalling the inspiring journey of legendary marathon runner Fauja Singh during his virtual address to the country’s youth at the Khelo India Dialogue.
Speaking through the ‘Khelo India Samvad’, Modi described Singh as an example of how a lifelong passion for sports and fitness can contribute to an active and fulfilling life.
“We all know about Fauja Singh Ji. He passed away last year after having lived more than 100 years. If there is love for sports and fitness, then Fauja Singh Ji was an example of this. His life is a great inspiration for how sports and quality of life are connected,” the Prime Minister said.
Singh, widely regarded as the world’s oldest marathon runner, competed in a marathon at the age of 100. He died last year at the age of 114.
Modi also pointed to the growing popularity of sporting and fitness activities in India, saying sports were increasingly becoming part of people’s daily lives and a viable profession.
He noted that Indians were participating in triathlons as well as 5K and 10K races, while activities such as pickleball and badminton were also gaining popularity among friends and families.
“Sports are now becoming a part of our lives,” he said, describing the trend as a significant change when viewed from a broader perspective.
The Prime Minister said sports were also gaining greater importance in students’ lives and were no longer being treated merely as a co-curricular activity. He said sports were increasingly finding a place alongside studies and career planning in students’ daily routines.
Modi stressed that a strong sports culture could develop only when sports became accessible to ordinary people. He said schools should treat sports periods as an integral part of students’ lives, which would help expand the talent pool and encourage families to support children seeking careers in sports.
“Sports centres are more important than screens. Playgrounds are more important than playstations,” Modi said, calling on young people to carry this approach forward.
He expressed confidence in India’s youth and said their participation in sports and society represented a source of strength for the country.
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