Srinagar, April 25: The Chintan Shivir of the Ministers of Youth Affairs & Sports of States and Union Territories commenced in Srinagar on Saturday with focused deliberations on strengthening India’s sports ecosystem through coordinated action, systemic reforms, policy convergence, and grassroots execution.

Addressing the inaugural session, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, set the tone for the deliberations by emphasising that India’s sporting ambitions will be realised through execution on the ground.
“Our 10-year roadmap to becoming a global sporting powerhouse must not remain on paper, it must come alive in every playground, every district, and every young dream,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, also attended the Chintan Shivir and applauded the vision of making India a powerhouse of sports.
The Union Sports Minister called upon states to move from policy adoption to active implementation, stressing that real progress will be measured by outcomes visible across districts, training systems, and grassroots sporting ecosystems.
“Khelo Bharat Mission is not just a statistic, it is a reflection of the energy of our youth and the commitment of the nation,” he said.
Mandaviya called for bridging the long-standing disconnect between State Governments and Sports Federations, urging closer alignment to build a strong and unified talent pipeline.
Underscoring the importance of convergence, he highlighted that coordination with the education system is essential for early talent identification and that physical education teachers form the backbone of the grassroots sports ecosystem.
“If even one talented child is left behind due to lack of opportunity, it is not just a personal loss, it is a loss for the entire nation,” he said.
He noted that sports serve as a transformative tool, particularly in regions such as Jammu & Kashmir and other challenging areas, contributing to social harmony and national integration.
Addressing systemic gaps, Mandaviya called for regular certification and upgradation of coaches, scientific training of athletes, and capacity building in sports administration.
Emphasising the importance of a seamless ecosystem, the sports minister said, “When infrastructure, talent identification, and trained manpower come together as one unbroken chain, Olympic podiums will follow,” highlighting the need to connect grassroots participation with elite performance through a structured pathway.
Mandaviya also launched the YES-PE (Young Engagement in Sports & Physical Education ) programme by Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education, Gwalior, for students between 9–12 standard for promoting sports participation, sportsmanship and leadership.