“Khelo Bharat Mission Reflects Energy of India’s Youth”: Union Sports Minister in Srinagar | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: The Chintan Shivir of Ministers of Youth Affairs and Sports from States and Union Territories began in Srinagar on Saturday, with discussions focused on strengthening India’s sports ecosystem through coordinated action, policy convergence, systemic reforms, and grassroots implementation.

Inaugurating the deliberations, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya said India’s ambition to become a global sporting powerhouse would be achieved only through effective execution at the ground level.

He stressed that the 10-year roadmap for sports development must translate into visible outcomes in every playground and district, adding that progress would be measured through results across training systems and grassroots structures. He also urged States to shift from policy formulation to implementation and called for closer coordination between State Governments and sports federations to build a unified talent pipeline.

Mandaviya highlighted the importance of integrating the education system with sports development, stating that physical education teachers play a key role in early talent identification. He also underlined the need for regular certification of coaches, scientific training methods, and improved sports administration capacity.

“Khelo Bharat Mission reflects the energy of India’s youth and the commitment of the nation,” he said, adding that sports can serve as a powerful tool for social integration, particularly in regions like Jammu and Kashmir.

The Minister 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 sports participation, leadership, and sportsmanship.

Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha attended the event and appreciated the initiative aimed at strengthening India’s sporting framework.

Secretary (Sports) Hari Ranjan Rao described the Shivir as a platform for collective reflection and commitment towards reform, stating that it represents a renewed resolve for coordinated action.

The two-day event features thematic sessions on medal strategy, policy coordination, clean and safe sport, and talent identification and development. Over 15 State Sports Ministers, along with athletes and sporting figures including Abhinav Bindra, Pullela Gopichand, Gagan Narang and Adille Sumariwalla, participated in the discussions.

Participants emphasised the need to strengthen infrastructure, improve coaching systems, ensure ethical sporting environments, and develop a science- and technology-driven talent pipeline integrated across schools, academies, and elite training centres.

The deliberations also underlined the importance of monitoring outcomes, sharing best practices, and ensuring Centre–State convergence to translate policy intent into measurable results on the ground.

The Shivir concluded its opening day with a renewed commitment to building a unified, inclusive, and future-ready sporting ecosystem aligned with India’s long-term vision of global sporting excellence.