Page 34 - Mann Ki Baat English

Teenage Champions of National Games

The National Games held recently in Uttarakhand touched new heights
of Indian sporting talent. Many young players in this year's National Games
astonished everyone with their performance. The participation of teenage
players and their achievements, in particular, shows that India's sports future is
in secure and accomplished hands. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also praised
the accomplishments of these young stars in his radio program 'Mann ki Baat.'
He, in particular, mentioned three players: 15-year-old shooter Gavin Antony,
16-year-old hammer thrower Anushka Yadav, and 19-year-old pole vault athlete
Dev Kumar Meena. These players are way ahead of the players of their age
and are also excellent in their performance. Their passion, hard
work, and dedication inspire every youth in the country.
These champions have shared with us their experiences
and the stories of their struggles and dreams.

The future of athletics in India is very bright.
Pole Vault is a very technical game. For this, I
had to undergo a different kind of training. I have
played four internationals. I still have to perform
better. Hearing my name mentioned by the Prime
Minister in 'Mann ki Baat' was like a dream for me.
My goal is to do well in the Asian Games and the
Olympics. To achieve this, I will have to perform
better.
-Dev Kumar Meena, Pole Vault athlete,
Madhya Pradesh

I suggest that girls focus on one goal they
want to achieve. If the family supports them, they
can accomplish anything. When PM Narendra
Modi Ji mentioned my name, I felt terrific for
myself, my father, and the other two people,
Chirag Yadav and Gagan Yadav, who plan my
workout diet.
-Anushka Yadav, Hammer Thrower, Uttar
Pradesh
30 30