Delhi, 8 March (H.S.): The two-day Chintan Shivir came to a successful ending in Hyderabad today with sports ministers of States/UTs and other key stakeholders agreeing that a collaborative approach was required to realise the dream to host the 2036 Summer Olympics in India and perform better at the next Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028.
Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, who led the brainstorming sessions on both days, emphasized that the discussions at this Chintan Shivir should not remain confined within the four walls of a conference room. Instead, he urged that they serve as a catalyst for realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047, where sports play a pivotal role in nation-building.
On Day 1 of the Chintan Shivir at Kanha Shanti Vanam, discussions focused on sports development and governance. On Day 2, stakeholders reached a consensus on the need to promote school sports, enhance coach quality, and prioritize athlete welfare. It was agreed that early talent identification is crucial, supported by a strong ecosystem to ensure no potential talent goes unnoticed.
Dr. Mandaviya highlighted athletes as national assets, noting the upgrade of the National Sports Repository System (NSRS) for better monitoring and development of registered athletes. The discussions emphasized that to secure a top 10 position at the 2036 Olympics, talent identification must begin early.
Participants suggested reimagining the National School Games to create structured competitive pathways from the district level, leveraging the vast network of 15 lakh schools and 8 crore students in India. The agenda also focused on enhancing the coaching ecosystem, with discussions on standardization and qualification policies to attract the best coaches.The welfare and holistic training of coaches were also prioritized.
Dr. Mandaviya encouraged states to utilize Khelo India State Training Centres for athlete training aimed at global excellence. Union Ministe Khadse urged states to collaborate with the government and implement best practices for strengthening sports frameworks, reaffirming the collective goal of making India a global sports powerhouse by its centenary of independence.
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
