Goal to make India sporting powerhouse in 10 years: Mandaviya

• RK News
• Comments 0
• 26 Apr 2026

Share

Calls for active implementation, not just policy adoption

Srinagar, Apr 25: Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya on Saturday said India's sporting ambitions will be realised through execution on the ground.

"Our 10-year roadmap to becoming a global sporting powerhouse must not remain on paper; it must come alive in every playground, every district, and every young dream," he said, addressing the inaugural session of the Chintan Shivir of the Ministers of Youth Affairs & Sports of States and Union Territories, which commenced in Srinagar on Friday. The event focused on strengthening India's sports ecosystem through coordinated action, systemic reforms, policy convergence, and grassroots execution.

Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, also attended the Chintan Shivir and applauded the vision of making India a powerhouse of sports.

The Union Sports Minister called upon states to move from policy adoption to active implementation, stressing that real progress will be measured by outcomes visible across districts, training systems, and grassroots sporting ecosystems. "Khelo Bharat Mission is not just a statistic; it is a reflection of the energy of our youth and the commitment of the nation," he added.

Dr Mandaviya called for bridging the long-standing disconnect between State Governments and Sports Federations, urging closer alignment to build a strong and unified talent pipeline. Underscoring the importance of convergence, he highlighted that coordination with the education system is essential for early talent identification and that physical education teachers form the backbone of the grassroots sports ecosystem.

"If even one talented child is left behind due to lack of opportunity, it is not just a personal loss; it is a loss for the entire nation," he added. He further noted that sports serve as a transformative tool, particularly in regions such as Jammu & Kashmir and other challenging areas, contributing to social harmony and national integration.

Addressing systemic gaps, the Minister called for regular certification and upgradation of coaches, scientific training of athletes, and capacity building in sports administration. Emphasising the importance of a seamless ecosystem, he stated, "When infrastructure, talent identification, and trained manpower come together as one unbroken chain, Olympic podiums will follow," highlighting the need to connect grassroots participation with elite performance through a structured pathway.

Dr Mandaviya also launched the YES-PE (Young Engagement in Sports & Physical Education) programme by Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education, Gwalior, for students between classes 9 and 12, aimed at promoting sports participation, sportsmanship, and leadership.

Addressing the gathering, Secretary (Sports), Shri Hari Ranjan Rao, welcomed participants and highlighted the significance of the Shivir as a platform for collective reflection and action. "This gathering is not merely a conference; it is a collective moment of reflection, resolve, and renewed commitment," he said.

The Chintan Shivir saw thematic sessions focusing on medal strategy, policy coordination, clean and safe sport, and talent identification and development. Over 15 State Sports Ministers, along with eminent sports personalities including Adille Sumariwalla, Abhinav Bindra, Pullela Gopichand, and Gagan Narang, attended the Shivir and shared their ideas with stakeholders.

Sports Ministers from various states appreciated the initiative to build a consensus around an athlete- and player-centric approach, emphasising that this model can be replicated across different regions of the country to strengthen and develop a robust sporting ecosystem.

The deliberations emphasised strengthening infrastructure, enhancing coaching systems, improving Centre-State convergence, ensuring ethical and safe sporting environments, and building a scientific, technology-driven talent pipeline integrated across schools, academies, and elite training centres. Participants also highlighted the need for consistent monitoring, evaluation, and sharing of best practices across states to ensure that policy intent translates into measurable, on-ground impact.

The deliberations reaffirmed the importance of a unified and coordinated approach involving the Centre, States, and all stakeholders to build a robust, inclusive, and future-ready sporting ecosystem, aligned with India's long-term vision of emerging as a global sporting powerhouse.