PM declares Games closed, urges athletes to perform better

Guwahati, Feb 18 (UNI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, while declaring the 33rd National Games closed today, urged athletes to strive hard and become more successful in international arena.

Addressing the closing ceremony here, Dr Singh congratulated Asom for smooth conduct of the biggest Games ever. He said, ''The scale and magnitude of this largest ever National Games is impressive and speaks for itself.'' He lauded the players for their performance and said, ''I hope you and others will return to the 34th National Games inspired to play even better.'' ''Success is not the only yardstick to assess one's abilities.

What matters is the spirit,'' he added.

Dr Singh stressed on the need for the country's athletes to perform better at the international arena so that India could achieve a commendable position in sporting field, even as the country was marching ahead in other disciplines.

He said, ''We are committed to taking India to the top in the Commonwealth Games, in Asian Games, and with your effort and dedication, in the Olympics.'' The Prime Minister emphasised on the need to develop a broad-based sports culture in which children were encouraged to play, adding on the need to include sports in curriculum and help in nurturing talents in the rural areas.

He also called for greater and more active involvement of corporate sector for promoting sports, other than a few privileged sports like cricket, in a greater way.

The Prime Minister made special mention of the teams of the North Eastern states, especially Manipur, which have put up commendable performance in the Games. He pointed out that the region has produced a host of leading sports personalities for the country in the recent times.

Asom Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, in his speech, expressed delight at the successful hosting of the Games.

Highlighting the state's success in organising the Games in the face of adverse reports initially, Mr Gogoi said, ''We may not be rich, but our hearts are large and warm, and we have determination and capability.'' He further said the Games also helped in dispelling misapprehensions of the security scenario in the state.

IOA president Suresh Kalmadi lauded the state's efforts in hosting the Games, labeling it as the best Games ever.

He said, ''The football final yesterday won by Asom was a befitting finale to the Games.'' Mr Kalmadi also used the opportunity to urge the Prime Minister to increase the budgetary allocation for sports.

UNI