Kashmir, August 31, 2025 – In a heartening address during the 125th episode of his monthly radio programme #MannKiBaat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Jammu and Kashmir’s (#JammuAndKashmir) resilience by spotlighting two extraordinary sporting achievements that have emerged despite the recent devastation caused by floods and heavy rains. These milestones, often overshadowed by natural calamities, underscore the region’s growing sporting culture and the indomitable spirit of its people.Prime Minister Modi, speaking directly to the nation, emphasized how #JammuAndKashmir has turned adversity into opportunity. “Amidst this devastation caused by floods and rains, J&K has also achieved two very special achievements. Not many people noticed these. But you will be happy to know about those achievements,” he said in the #MannKiBaat broadcast. The Prime Minister’s words resonated as a beacon of hope, highlighting the transformative power of sports in fostering peace, progress, and unity in the region.
First Milestone: Historic Day-Night Cricket Match in Pulwama – A Symbol of Change
The first remarkable feat unfolded in Pulwama district, where a record number of spectators gathered at a local stadium to witness the region’s inaugural day-night cricket match under floodlights. This event, part of the Royal Premier League – a tournament featuring teams from across #JammuAndKashmir – marked a historic moment that was once deemed impossible due to past challenges in the area.”A record number of people gathered in a stadium in Pulwama. Pulwama’s first day-night cricket match was played here. Earlier this was impossible, but now my country is changing,” PM Modi remarked, evoking images of thousands of youth, especially, cheering late into the night. The #RoyalPremierLeague not only showcased local talent but also symbolized a new chapter of hope and normalcy in Pulwama, a district that has seen significant progress in recent years. This sporting spectacle drew crowds from various parts of #JammuAndKashmir, promoting community bonding and highlighting the youth’s enthusiasm for cricket – India’s beloved sport.The event’s success is a testament to the improving infrastructure and security in the region, allowing such large-scale gatherings. PM Modi described it as “a sight to behold,” noting how it reflects the broader narrative of transformation in #JammuAndKashmir. Keywords like day-night cricket, Pulwama, and Royal Premier League trended on social media following the #MannKiBaat episode, with netizens praising the initiative for empowering local athletes and fostering inclusivity.
Second Milestone: Khelo India Water Sports Festival at Iconic Dal Lake – Promoting National Unity
The second milestone was the inaugural Khelo India Water Sports Festival hosted at Srinagar’s picturesque Dal Lake – a venue that PM Modi called “truly a special space.” This national-level event, aimed at popularizing water sports in #JammuAndKashmir, saw over 800 athletes from across India competing in various disciplines, including canoeing, rowing, and kayaking.”Truly, what a special space to host a festival like this. Its objective is to make water sports more popular in J&K. More than 800 athletes from all over India participated in it. Women athletes were not far behind; their participation was nearly equal to men,” the Prime Minister shared, congratulating all participants. Athletes from Madhya Pradesh clinched the highest number of medals, followed by Haryana and Odisha, underscoring the festival’s role in promoting inter-state camaraderie.PM Modi also recounted personal interactions with two standout athletes: Rashmita Sahoo from Odisha, who has won an impressive 41 medals (including 13 gold) in canoeing since starting her career in 2017, and Mohsin Ali from Srinagar, who secured a gold medal at the festival. Mohsin expressed pride in representing #JammuAndKashmir and highlighted the warmth of the local people, which left a lasting impression on out-of-state participants. “People across Kashmir were proud of my victory,” Mohsin said, adding that the event boosted confidence among local youth.The #KheloIndia initiative, a flagship programme of the Government of India, has been instrumental in nurturing talent and providing platforms for emerging sports stars. By hosting it at Dal Lake, #JammuAndKashmir not only showcased its natural beauty but also positioned itself as a hub for aquatic sports. PM Modi appreciated the hospitality of the #JammuAndKashmir government and its residents, stating, “I appreciate the warmth and hospitality of the government of Jammu and Kashmir and the people living there.
A Broader Message of Resilience and Progress
These achievements come at a time when #JammuAndKashmir has been grappling with the aftermath of severe floods and landslides, which PM Modi acknowledged early in his #MannKiBaat address. He praised the efforts of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and security forces in rescue operations, while urging collective action against natural calamities.The Prime Minister’s focus on sports in #JammuAndKashmir aligns with the government’s vision to harness the region’s potential for youth development and tourism. Events like the Royal Premier League and Khelo India Water Sports Festival are not just games; they represent empowerment, gender equality, and national integration. With keywords such as #MannKiBaat, #JammuAndKashmirMilestones, KheloIndia, and sportsdevelopment gaining traction, the episode has inspired widespread discussions on social media about the region’s upward trajectory.As #JammuAndKashmir continues to rebuild and thrive, these milestones serve as powerful reminders of its untapped potential. PM Modi’s #MannKiBaat once again proved to be a platform that connects the nation’s heart with stories of real progress, leaving listeners with a sense of immense joy and optimism.