PM Modi flags off 'Run for Rio' in Delhi, vows to send players from each district in 2020 Olympics

Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the Run for Rio event in New Delhi today to celebrate the Olympic mood in the country. Around 20,000 school children participated in the event, which commenced from Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in Delhi. 

Similar runs, albeit on smaller scale, will be held at the regional centres of Sports Authority of India (SAI) in Sonipat, Kolkata, Bhopal, Gandhinagar and Thiruvananthapuram. 

Speaking at the event, PM Modi said that this year’s contingent of 119 Indian players is largest ever and urged the nation to vow to send more than 200 players next time.  He also wished all the players luck, “Every player has worked hard to get here. They will surely give their best.”

“Our athletes will win the hearts of the world and will show the world what India is about, I am sure about it,” he said. In his speech PM Modi also encouraged the nation to make sure that by 2020 Olympics, every district from India will send one players to the games. (Watch full speech here)

Prime Minister Modi also released a publication of SAI on 'Indian Olympic Journey', which carries interesting information on India's Olympic achievements and preparations for the future.