PM lauds Odisha canoeist in ‘Mann Ki Baat’

Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday interacted with Rasmita Sahoo, a young canoeist from Odisha, during the 125th episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat'. Sahoo, a 23-year-old athlete, won a gold medal in the women's 200-metre canoe singles at the first-ever Khelo India Water Sports Festival held at Dal Lake in Srinagar between Aug 21 and 23. Modi praised Sahoo for her remarkable achievements in the field of water sports and encouraged her to inspire more youngsters to take up sports.Talking about her journey, Sahoo told the PM that she was drawn to canoeing after watching boats being used during training at the SAI Sports Centre in Jagatpur. With her father's support, she appeared for trials and embarked on a professional sporting career.Sahoo, who hails from a small village in Cuttack district, have already won 41 medals at various national-level events, including 13 gold, 14 silver, and 14 bronze medals since she took up canoeing in 2017.Speaking about her recent participation at the Khelo India Water Sports Festival in Srinagar, Sahoo said she competed in two events, 200m singles and 500m doubles, and won gold medals in both categories.Lauding her dedication, Modi said, "Many congratulations, Rasmita ji. It is heartening to see how you turned an interest born out of curiosity into such an inspiring sporting journey. Please convey my regards to your father, who encouraged you to follow your dreams."Highlighting the problems and challenges faced by sportspersons, Sahoo urged young athletes, especially girls who face restrictions in pursuing sports due to social barriers or academic pressure, not to give up. "Do not leave sports midway. Sports not only takes you far, but also keeps the body and mind healthy. It is our duty to take sports forward and win medals for India," Sahoo said.Apart from canoeing, Sahoo enjoys running and playing football during her free time. Applauding her, Modi said, "Sports truly runs in her veins."After speaking to the PM, Sahoo said, "It felt great speaking to the PM. It was a proud moment for me, my coach, my family and my village. I am delighted to have spoken to him. We are sportspersons, and we perform to bring pride and glory for the nation."