National sports chintan shivir begins in Srinagar, focus on grassroots and policy convergence
Mandaviya calls for regular certification and upgradation of coaches, scientific training methods, and enhanced capacity building in sports administration
The “Chintan Shivir” of Ministers for Youth Affairs and Sports from states and Union Territories commenced in Srinagar on Saturday, with deliberations focused on strengthening India’s sports ecosystem through coordinated action, systemic reforms, policy convergence and grassroots execution.
Addressing the inaugural session, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, emphasised that India’s sporting ambitions can only be realised through effective implementation at the ground level.
“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.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who also attended the session, lauded the vision of transforming India into a global sports powerhouse.
Mandaviya urged states to move beyond policy formulation and focus on measurable outcomes across districts, training systems and grassroots ecosystems. Referring to the Khelo Bharat Mission, he said it reflects both the energy of the youth and the nation’s commitment to sports development.
He called for bridging the gap between state governments and sports federations to build a strong and unified talent pipeline. Stressing convergence with the education sector, he highlighted the crucial role of physical education teachers in identifying and nurturing talent at an early stage.
“If even one talented child is left behind due to lack of opportunity, it is a loss for the entire nation,” he said.
The Minister also underlined the transformative role of sports, particularly in regions like Jammu and Kashmir, in promoting social harmony and national integration.
Addressing systemic gaps, Mandaviya called for regular certification and upgradation of coaches, scientific training methods, and enhanced capacity building in sports administration.
“When infrastructure, talent identification, and trained manpower function as a seamless chain, Olympic success will follow,” he said, stressing the need for a structured pathway linking grassroots participation with elite performance.
He also launched the YES-PE (Young Engagement in Sports and Physical Education) programme of the Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education, Gwalior, aimed at students of Classes 9 to 12 to promote participation, sportsmanship and leadership.
The Shivir featured thematic sessions on medal strategy, policy coordination, safe and clean sport and talent identification. Over 15 State Sports Ministers and noted sportspersons, including Adille Sumariwalla, Abhinav Bindra, Pullela Gopichand and Gagan Narang participated and shared insights, reflecting a collective commitment to strengthening India’s sporting ecosystem.
Participants also appreciated the initiative to build consensus around an athlete-centric approach, noting that such a model can be replicated across the country to develop a robust sports framework.
