On December 7, Union Minister of Labour, Employment, Youth Affairs, and Sports, Dr. Mansukh L. Mandaviya, participated in an interaction ceremony with department officials, the Nagaland Olympic Association, state sports associations, and players at Indira Gandhi Stadium in Kohima.
In his special address during the event, he expressed his deep honor in speaking before the vibrant people of Nagaland, a region renowned for its unparalleled natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. “Known as the “Land of Festivals,” Nagaland proudly celebrates its unique traditions, showcasing the diversity and unity of its people. The people here are not just keepers of ancient traditions but also the torchbearers of a progressive and inclusive India,” said Mandaviya.
He acknowledged the Hornbill Festival which truly celebrates India’s cultural diversity, exemplifying the strength of unity in diversity and reinforcing the Importance of preserving a shared heritage.
The Sports Minister also noted that over the last decade, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi India has undergone a remarkable transformation in the field of sports. From being mere participants, he added that India has evolved into serious contenders on the global stage, be it at the Olympics, Paralympics, or international tournaments. “This transformation is the result of strategic planning, grassroots engagement, and a steadfast commitment to excellence,” stated Mandaviya.
In contrast to earlier times when the focus on sports development was limited, Mandaviya expressed that the current administration has taken a more proactive and comprehensive approach to reshape the sports ecosystem. Several key initiatives have been launched to foster a culture of sports, encourage fitness, and support athletes at every level. These efforts, according to the Sports Minister, reflect a commitment not only to improving India’s international performance but also to ensuring that the benefits of physical activity reach every citizen.
He also highlighted the several initiatives such as Khelo India Program which focuses on promoting grassroots sports and identifying young talent across the country aiming to create a pipeline of athletes who can compete at the national and international level; Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) provides funding and support to elite athletes with the potential to win medals at the Olympic Games; Fit India Movement which aims to inspire individuals to lead a healthier and more active lifestyle and It encourages people to adopt fitness practices as part of their daily routine.
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“The Modi government has prioritized the development of sports infrastructure through various schemes, including the National Sports Development Fund and the National Sports Infrastructure Scheme and aim is to provide world-class training facilities and venues for athletes across the country,” added Mandaviya.
The minister also mentioned that the District Level Sports Schools (DLSS) provided a platform for athletes to thrive, preparing them for national and international competitions. And a collaboration between the public and private sectors, the government covers all expenses related to the program, ensuring accessibility for all. “The Retired Sportsperson Empowerment Training (RESET) initiative helps retired athletes bridge the generation gap, develop new career paths, and support the next generation of sports talent. It targets athletes aged 20-50 who have won international medals or participated in major national and international events,” informed the Minister.
Other initiatives such as Information Technology, Data Analytics, and Artificial Intelligence, Khelo India Rising Talent Identification (KIRTI) Programme, ASMITA – Khelo India Women’s League initiative, NSRS – National Sports Repository System and recognition of e-sports were also highlighted.
“The government has recognized the potential of e-sports to not only entertain but also create new opportunities for youth, innovation, and economic growth. Unlike earlier times when gaming was seen merely as a hobby, e-sports has now been acknowledged as a serious, competitive field, with growing investments and support from various stakeholders,” mentioned the Minister adding that the government’s initiatives to promote e-sports in India reflect its vision to make the country a global hub for digital sports, providing young Indians with the tools and platforms to excel in this field.
Beyond gaming, Mandaviya viewed that, the esports industry is contributing significantly to the economy by creating diverse job opportunities in areas such as game development, broadcasting, event management, and content creation.
“Moreover, with increasing support for startups and ventures in the gaming sector, the government is driving investment and innovation, paving the way for India to emerge as a global hub for e-sports excellence,” added the Union Minister.
The program was chaired by Abu Metha, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nagaland, VP Athletic Federation of India, and Secretary General, Nagaland Olympic association while the welcome address was pronounced by MLA & Advisor Youth Resources & Sports S Keoshu Yimchunger.
