Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr Mansukh Mandaviya on Saturday stressed that India’s ambitious 10-year roadmap to emerge as a global sporting powerhouse must translate into action at the grassroots level.
His remarks came as the Chintan Shivir of Ministers of Youth Affairs and Sports from States and union Territories commenced in Srinagar, bringing together key stakeholders to deliberate on strengthening the country’s sports ecosystem.
The three day Shivir is focused on coordinated action, systemic reforms, policy convergence, and effective grassroots execution to drive India’s sporting ambitions forward.
Addressing the inaugural session, union Minister Mandaviya, set the tone for the deliberations by emphasising that 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,” Mandaviya said.
The 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.
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 union 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, Mandaviya 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 9–12 standard for promoting sports participation, sportsmanship and leadership.
Addressing the gathering, Secretary (Sports), Hari Ranjan Rao highlighted the significance of the Shivir as a platform for collective reflection and action.
Outlining the importance of the Chintan Shivir, he said, “This gathering is not merely a conference, it is a collective moment of reflection, resolve, and renewed commitment.”
