Raipur, August 27, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
India T20 vice-captain Tilak Varma on Thursday praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s message to the country’s youth during the Khelo India Dialogue, particularly his call for youngsters to stay away from drugs.
Varma attended a screening of Modi’s virtual interaction with young people in Chhattisgarh and said initiatives focused on sports and fitness could play an important role in addressing drug abuse among the youth.
“It was a very good event. PM Modi delivered a strong message. Young people need to stay away from drugs. Events like this should be organised. Such initiatives can help keep the youth away from drugs,” Varma told reporters after the programme.
The cricketer, who has previously visited Chhattisgarh for cricket matches, also highlighted the state’s sporting potential.
“I have visited Chhattisgarh earlier to play cricket. Chhattisgarh has a lot of potential for sports as well. Now I have come to give a message to stay away from drugs,” he said.
Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister and Sports Minister Arun Sao also attended the event and underlined the importance of Modi’s interaction with young people and sportspersons.
“Prime Minister Modi organised the Khelo India Dialogue and interacted with sportspersons and young people associated with sports from across the country. He discussed how India can achieve better results at the 2036 Olympics and how our country can become drug-free,” Sao said.
He added that the Prime Minister’s interaction had given fresh energy to the youth and that a drug-free younger generation would contribute significantly to building a developed India.
During the virtual interaction, Modi highlighted sport as an effective means of keeping youngsters away from drugs.
“Friends, another great advantage of sports is that real athletes develop a desire to stay away from drugs,” Modi said, adding that sports had become a viable profession in India, with growing participation in events such as triathlons and 5K and 10K races.
Modi also called for India to expand its participation across Olympic disciplines as part of preparations for the 2036 Olympics. He said a nationwide talent hunt for children aged 5 to 15 could help identify sporting abilities early and provide training suited to individual strengths.
The Prime Minister pointed to India’s limited participation in Olympic sports as a longstanding challenge. He noted that India had competed in only 13 sports at the 2012 Olympics and had not participated in more than 20 other disciplines.
He cited surfing and sports climbing as examples of disciplines in which India could develop greater expertise and expand its medal prospects.
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