Bengaluru, Apr 24 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said sports power is adding to the power of the country. “Sports power is adding to the power of India and the recognition earned in the field of sports adds to the recognition of the nation,” Modi said in a recorded speech played at the inauguration of the Khelo India University Games (KIUG) -2021 here today. The games, supposed to take place the previous year, could not take place due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Prime Minister said the joy in the faces of sportspersons, who took part in the Tokyo Olympics, was not just about winning medals but about playing the games for the nation. Modi asked the students taking part in the KIUG-2021 not to think they were playing for themselves, their families or the universities but for the country. “The first mantra of success lies in team spirit, and we learn this from sports. This spirit will give you a vision to look at your lives and help win medals in future,” Modi said in his video message. Victory in sports means a holistic approach, which is the outcome of 100 per cent dedication, Mod said. Drawing a comparison between sports and life, Modi said games are the real support system of life. “The lessons learnt and the energy gained from sports drive you forward in life. Attitude, energy and passion are important in both sports and life,” Modi said. Whoever accepts challenges becomes successful because there is victory as well as lessons in defeat, he added. “Honesty takes you to higher levels in life. The ability to digest victory and the art of learning lessons from the defeat are the essential parts of progress in life, which we playfully learn through sports,” Modi explained. He said the students should play with dedication and practice for success. “You should play with dedication because many of you play at the State-level, national-level and international-level,” Modi reminded the players. He pointed out that new sports science centres and dedicated sports universities are coming up in the country. According to him, conducting the sports event in the midst of the pandemic shows the resolute face of the nation. Modi told the participants that they represent a ‘New India’ and the flag-bearers of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ (One India, Great India), whose young thinking and approach decide its policies. Underlining that the new National Education Policy lays emphasis on sports, the Prime Minister said building sports infrastructure, transparency in the selection of sportspersons and the use of modern technology in sports are the identity of the "New India." He hailed Bengaluru for being the identity of the enthusiasm of youth. Stating that the city is the pride of professionals, Modi said, “It is significant that the Khelo India games happening in the city of "Digital India".” The confluence of sports in the startup hub and organising the Khelo India event in Bengaluru would add to the beauty of the city, Modi said and congratulated the Karnataka government. Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu, inaugurating the event at the Kanteerava Stadium, said he welcomed the idea of including native games like Mallakhamb. “Indigenous games should be given top priority,” Naidu said. He also called upon the participants to inculcate team spirit for sucess. The Vice-President told the gathering that sports activities should be encouraged from the grassroots-level. Speaking about the nation entering the international sports arena, Naidu said India, being a young nation with a substantial young population, can fair better than any other country. “Nation and culture together make for a better future,” Naidu said. He called upon people, especially youngsters, to lead a healthy lifestyle. “People look at the West, leaving the best here,” Naidu said in his inimitable style. Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, Union Minister for Sports Minister Anurag Thakur and Karnataka Sports Minister Dr K C Narayana Gowda, too, addressed the gathering. Breath-taking performances depicting Karnataka’s rich cultural heritage and a captivating sound and light show added to the grandeur of a sparkling opening ceremony of the games. Representing the hosts, the youngest Indian swimmer to achieve the Olympic standard time - Srihari Nataraj took the oath on behalf of all athletes after the Games were declared open by the Vice-President in the presence of Karnataka Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot. Sports legends such as Vimal Kumar, Anju Bobby George, Reeth Abraham, Ashwini Nachappa, Malathi Holla, BR Beedu, AB Subbiah, SV Sunil and VR Raghunath among others. While a line-up of cultural programmes such as dollu kunitha, a traditional folk dance, and a dance ensemble composed by pop icon Chandan Shetty enthralled the 2,500-strong spectators.Performances by drummers from across the country set the mood of the 10-day sports event.New addition to this year’s games was the Mallakhamb, a traditional sport dating back to the 12th century. This was followed by an acrobatic performance by Kings United.A host of sports fans braved the tightened security to witness the opening ceremony on a giant screen erected outside the stadium.Over 4,000 athletes from more than 200 universities are competing for the top prize in 20 disciplines.A total of 257 gold medals is up for grabs in archery, athletics, badminton, basketball, boxing, fencing, football, field hockey, judo, kabaddi, shooting, swimming, tennis, table-tennis, volleyball, weightlifting, wrestling, and karate.Native sports Mallakhamb and Yogasana added to the special attractions.KIUG 2021 would take place across five venues - Jain Global University campus, Jain Sports School, Kanteerava Stadium Complex, Field Marshal Cariappa Hockey Stadium, and Sports Authority of India (SAI) National Centre of Excellence. PTI GMS NVG NVG