Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], September 14 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday inaugurated the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex and asserted that the government's goal is to make India number one in every field by 2047.
The Veer Savarkar Sports Complex was built in Naranpura in Ahmedabad.
The Union Minister called the complex the largest in India and among the most advanced in the world, adding that it would "inspire athletes" to perform at the highest level and win medals all over the world.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Shah said, "The goal is to make India number 1 in the world in every field by 2047. If sports started first anywhere in the world, it would be in India. PM Modi has not only devised a plan, but has also made arrangements that ensure the players receive good training and the selection process is conducted in a transparent manner."
Shah credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for transforming sports in the country.
The home minister also shared how the idea for the complex came into his mind. "I went to Modi sahab and told him that 21 acres of land is lying vacant; if you allow, a sports complex can be built there. Modi sahab said that build a sports complex, but build a sports complex with world-class facilities," Shah recalled.
The newly inaugurated complex was named after freedom fighter Veer Savarkar.
The Union Minister paid tribute to Veer Savarkar and said, "Today, on this occasion, I pay tribute to Veer Savarkar. Savarkar jumped into the sea from a port near France while chained. The British caught him and brought him to India. Savarkar was the only person who was sentenced to two life imprisonments in a single life. The players who come to play here will be inspired to play and win medals all over the world."
Shah said the complex had modern infrastructure and medical facilities not only for players but also for trainers.
"The facility to watch the game of the players in slow motion is also available. This completely green sports complex has been built by the Government of India and the Government of Gujarat," he noted.
Highlighting Gujarat's growing role in Indian sports, Shah said, "Ahmedabad is going to become the sports capital of the country. Sardar Patel Sports Complex is going to be built next to Namo Stadium."
The Union Minister said the PM Modi-led BJP government had invested significantly in sports. "The sports budget in 2014-15 was 1643 crores, which was increased to Rs 5300 crores by Narendra Modi," he pointed out.
He also spoke about India's improved Olympic performance, saying, "From independence till 2014, 20 medals were won in the Olympics. In the last 8 years, 15 medals have been won in the Olympics."
Earlier in the day, addressing the 5th Rajbhasha Sammelan in Gandhinagar on the occasion of Hindi Diwas, Amit Shah emphasised the importance of Hindi to be seen as a friend of Indian languages rather than a competition.
"I always say that Hindi is not a competition to Indian languages. Hindi is a friend of Indian languages. There are no conflicts between Hindi and Indian languages," Shah added.