In a powerful endorsement of India’s emerging sporting talent, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded 14-year-old cricket sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi for his fearless century in the ongoing IPL 2025 season. The young batter, hailing from Samastipur in Bihar, made headlines after smashing a blistering 35-ball century for Rajasthan Royals against Gujarat Titans — one of the fastest in the tournament’s history.
PM Modi Applauds Bihar’s Young Hero
During his video address at the inauguration of the Khelo India Youth Games in Bihar, PM Modi made special mention of Vaibhav’s remarkable performance.
“I have seen in the IPL, the son of Bihar, Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s spectacular performance. At such a young age, Vaibhav has set such a great record. There is a lot of hard work behind his performance,” Modi said.
He praised the teenager’s dedication, single-minded training, and the numerous matches he played to build himself up for such big-stage exploits.
“The More You Play, The More You Shine”
Modi emphasized the importance of exposure and match experience, stating:
“To bring his talent to the forefront, he has played many matches at different levels. The more you play, the more you will shine.”
He encouraged youth across the nation to embrace competitive sports, noting that playing regularly sharpens skills and builds confidence — a lesson exemplified by Suryavanshi’s rise.
Government’s Push for Sports Development
The Prime Minister highlighted the NDA government’s consistent focus on nurturing athletes and expanding access to a variety of sports disciplines.
He pointed out the inclusion of indigenous and lesser-known games in the Khelo India Youth Games, such as Gatka, Kho-Kho, Malkhambh, and Yogasana, which reflects the government’s inclusive vision for Indian sports.
“Our athletes have recently performed exceptionally well in new sports like Wushu, Lawn Balls, and Roller Skating.”
Sports as Part of Mainstream Education
Modi reiterated that the new National Education Policy (NEP) integrates sports into mainstream academics, aiming to create not just players, but well-rounded sports professionals.
“Sportsmanship plays a very important role in life. It teaches team spirit and the ability to move forward together. This is what we aim to instill through policy and infrastructure support.”
A Star in the Making
Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s IPL century has catapulted him into the limelight, with fans and experts alike praising his maturity, timing, and bold shot selection. At just 14, he’s already become a symbol of Bihar’s sporting potential and a role model for aspiring athletes across India.
With such strong backing from the top and a visible roadmap being laid for youth engagement in sports, India appears well on its way to becoming a sporting superpower in the years to come.
