Sports Minister Mandaviya Highlights Khelo Bharat Mission at Srinagar Chintan Shivir

The Chintan Shivir of Ministers of Youth Affairs and Sports from various States and Union Territories commenced in Srinagar on Saturday, focusing on strengthening India’s sports ecosystem through coordinated policy action and grassroots implementation. The event brought together key stakeholders to deliberate on systemic reforms, talent development, and institutional convergence aimed at building a robust and inclusive sporting framework across the country.

Addressing the inaugural session, Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya emphasised that India’s ambition of becoming a global sporting powerhouse depends on effective execution at the grassroots level. He highlighted the importance of translating long-term strategies into tangible outcomes across districts, training centres, and local playgrounds, ensuring that policy intent reaches aspiring athletes nationwide.

Mandaviya described the Khelo Bharat Mission as a reflection of the energy and aspirations of the country’s youth. He urged states to move beyond policy adoption and focus on implementation, stressing the need to bridge gaps between state governments and sports federations to create a unified and efficient talent pipeline for nurturing athletes.

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The event was also attended by Jammu & Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who endorsed the vision of transforming India into a sporting powerhouse. Discussions highlighted the importance of integrating sports with the education system, with Mandaviya noting that physical education teachers play a crucial role in early talent identification and grassroots development.

Key announcements included the launch of the YES-PE programme by the Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education, aimed at promoting sports participation and leadership among students from classes 9 to 12. The initiative is expected to strengthen the foundation of youth engagement in sports while encouraging discipline and teamwork at an early stage.

The Shivir featured thematic sessions on medal strategy, policy coordination, safe sport practices, and talent identification, with participation from over 15 state ministers and prominent athletes such as Abhinav Bindra, Pullela Gopichand, and Gagan Narang. The deliberations underscored the need for a coordinated, technology-driven approach to athlete development, reinforcing India’s long-term goal of emerging as a global sporting leader.

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