Srinagar, Apr 25 (KINS): Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, on Saturday chaired the Chintan Shivir of Ministers of Youth Affairs and Sports from States and Union Territories in Srinagar, focusing on strengthening India’s sports ecosystem through coordinated action and policy convergence.
Addressing the inaugural session, Dr. Mandaviya emphasised that India’s ambition of becoming a global sporting powerhouse must translate into visible outcomes at the grassroots level.
“Our 10-year roadmap must not remain on paper; it must come alive in every playground, every district, and every young dream,” he said.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also attended the session and lauded the vision of transforming India into a global sports leader.
The Union Minister urged states to shift from policy formulation to active implementation, noting that real progress would be measured through improved training systems, grassroots participation, and district-level outcomes. Describing the Khelo Bharat Mission as a reflection of youth energy and national commitment, he called for stronger coordination between state governments and sports federations to build a unified talent pipeline.
Highlighting the role of education, Dr. Mandaviya stressed that early talent identification must be integrated with the schooling system, with physical education teachers forming the backbone of grassroots sports development.
“If even one talented child is left behind due to lack of opportunity, it is a loss for the entire nation,” he said.
He also underlined the transformative role of sports in regions like Jammu and Kashmir, contributing to social harmony and national integration.
Calling for systemic reforms, the Minister emphasised regular certification and upgradation of coaches, scientific training methods, and capacity building in sports administration. He noted that a seamless ecosystem—linking infrastructure, talent identification, and trained manpower—would pave the way for Olympic success.
On the occasion, Dr. Mandaviya launched the YES-PE (Young Engagement in Sports and Physical Education) programme by the Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education, aimed at promoting sports participation, leadership, and sportsmanship among students of Classes 9 to 12.
Secretary (Sports), Hari Ranjan Rao, welcomed participants and described the Shivir as a platform for reflection, resolve, and renewed commitment.
The event featured thematic sessions on medal strategy, policy coordination, safe and clean sports, and talent identification. Over 15 state sports ministers and eminent personalities, including Adille Sumariwalla, Abhinav Bindra, Pullela Gopichand, and Gagan Narang, participated in the discussions.
Participants appreciated the athlete-centric approach and stressed the need for infrastructure development, improved coaching systems, Centre–State coordination, and technology-driven talent identification. The deliberations reaffirmed the importance of a unified strategy to build a robust, inclusive, and future-ready sporting ecosystem in India.(KINS)
