NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the youth of the country, including sportspersons, across more than 1500 locations on Thursday to mark the occasion of the National Sports Day which falls on August 29.
Modi’s virtual address will be part of the nationwide programme ‘Khelo India Samvaad – Khel Ki Baat, PM Ke Saath’, a major initiative of the sports ministry to be held two days ahead of the National Sports Day.
Hockey legend Dhyan Chand’s birth anniversary, which falls on August 29, is celebrated as the National Sports Day in the country.
“Key excerpts from the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s Independence Day message on Sports and Youth Power will also be showcased. This will be followed by the virtual address of the Hon’ble Prime Minister to the youth across the country,” Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said during a media briefing.
“Through this initiative, youth, athletes and educational institutions are being brought together at 1,500+ locations across the country.
“IITs, IIMs, NITs, AIIMS, premier medical colleges and universities, along with other leading educational institutions, are participating in this nationwide campaign.”
He said the programme is a major effort to create a direct dialogue between sports-loving youth and India’s policymakers, providing young people with an opportunity to share their ideas, experiences and suggestions.
The programme will begin with a welcome by MY Bharat volunteers, followed by a special video presentation highlighting the transformational changes in India’s sporting ecosystem over the past 12 years.
Following the Prime Minister’s address, physical programmes will commence at 1,500+ locations across the country.
At the national capital, the celebration will be held in four-five locations, including one at the IIT, Delhi, where Mandaviya will grace the occasion.
“I will be present at the IIT Delhi for the celebrations (on August 27),” the minister said.
Leading former and current Indian athletes and international medal winners, including Indian Olympic Association President PT Usha will also interact with the youth of the country.
Other prominent sportspersons who will interact with the youth include Manika Batra, Deepa Karmakar, Saina Nehwal, Gagan Narang, Sreejesh, Mary Kom, Baichung Bhutia, Pullela Gopichand, Anju Bobby George, Karnam Malleswari, Mirabai Chanu, and some cricketers.
“They (the youth) will share their journeys, challenges, failures, successes and sporting experiences with young participants,” Mandaviya said.
“The objective of the event is to inspire young people with the belief that a champion’s journey does not begin in a grand stadium, but with a small field and a first attempt.”
Members of Parliament, Members of Legislative Assemblies, Union Ministers, Ministers of State and State Sports Ministers will participate in the programme.
“These elected representatives and dignitaries will engage with youth and seek their ideas and suggestions on the four key themes,” he said.
Key objectives of the programme
Mandaviya said key objectives include the sharing by the youth of their ideas, suggestions and innovative thoughts on four key themes related to sports and youth.
“First, strengthening the sports ecosystem by ensuring better facilities, coaching and opportunities reach the grassroots. Second, nurturing talent for the 2036 Olympics, with a focus on scientific talent identification and athlete development.
“Third, strengthening youth leadership and increasing youth participation in governance. Fourth, Youth Empowerment for Viksit Bharat, including future-ready skills, volunteering and opportunities for nation-building,” he said.
The suggestions gathered through the programme will be taken directly to policymakers and the wider sports ecosystem, helping connect ground-level experiences and youth aspirations with policy making.
As part of youth engagement activities, a Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue (VBYLD) Quiz will be organised. Youth will also be encouraged to register on the MY Bharat Portal.
The objective is to connect young people beyond a one-day event and make them part of a long-term national youth engagement ecosystem.
