Srinagar August 31 (KNS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his latest Mann Ki Baat address, lauded Jammu and Kashmir for achieving two significant sporting milestones even as the Union Territory battled the devastation caused by heavy rains and floods.

Addressing the nation on Sunday, the Prime Minister said that Pulwama witnessed a “historic moment” as thousands of spectators gathered at a local stadium to watch the district’s first-ever day-night cricket match.

The unprecedented turnout, he said, reflects the growing passion for sports and the resilience of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The Prime Minister also hailed the successful organisation of the country’s first-ever Khelo India Water Sports Festival, held on the picturesque Dal Lake in Srinagar.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The event showcased Jammu and Kashmir’s natural beauty while providing a platform for young athletes to compete in water sports at a national level. “These achievements are a testament to the indomitable spirit of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Even in the face of adversity, they have shown how sports can unite communities and inspire hope,” Modi said.

The twin milestones, occurring amid the backdrop of natural calamities, underscore the region’s determination to emerge as a hub for sporting talent and tourism. The government has been pushing initiatives under the Khelo India programme to boost sports infrastructure and nurture grassroots talent across the country.(KNS)