Union Minister for Labour & Employment and Youth Resource & Sports Dr. Mansukh. L. Mandaviya has asserted that the development of sports infrastructure in India has been significant in recent years, and many initiatives have been taken to promote sports at the grassroots level.
He said this on 7th December 2024 at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima, Nagaland, during an interactive session with the officials of Labour & Employment Department, youth Resource & Sports department, Nagaland Olympic Association and state sports’ associations.
Speaking at the interaction session, the Union Minister said that India has a rich history of sports and boasts some of the world’s greatest athletes. To produce such athletes a good sports infrastructure is very important, and sports infrastructure in India has come a long way in recent years.
Dr Mandaviya added that India has a rich sporting culture, and over the years, there have been many initiatives taken by the government and private sector to develop the sports infrastructure in the country. However, he maintained that there are still challenges that need to be overcome to make sports accessible to all and promote the development of young sporting talent in the country.
The government and private sector need to continue investing in sports infrastructure and ensure that the existing facilities are well maintained to create a sporting culture in the country that fosters the development of young talent and promotes the country’s sporting image globally. Dr. Mansukh maintained that over the last decade, under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, India has undergone a remarkable transformation in the field of sports. He mentioned that in contrast to earlier times when the focus on sports development was limited, 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.
He mentioned that Khelo India Program which was launched in 2018 is an initiative focused on promoting grassroots sports and identifying young talent across the country. It aims to create a pipeline of athletes who can compete at the national and international levels. Launched in 2014, Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) provides funding and support to elite athletes with the potential to win medals at the Olympic Games. This initiative is focused on enhancing the performance of Indian athletes at major international competitions.
The Union Minister informed that under the leadership of Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, the government has recognized the potential of e-sports to not only entertain but also create new opportunities for youth, innovation, and economic growth.
Had an engaging interaction with our dedicated coaches and talented athletes at the Khelo India State Centre of Excellence in Kohima.@KheloIndia, KRITI, and TOPS initiatives continue to play a vital role in identifying and nurturing our young talent and promoting sports at the… pic.twitter.com/ZYFmBQHN98
— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) December 7, 2024
