India’s Olympic Aspirations: Chintan Shivir Concludes
The two-day Chintan Shivir in Hyderabad wrapped up today, with sports ministers from various States and Union Territories, along with key stakeholders, emphasizing the need for collaboration to achieve India’s goal of hosting the 2036 Summer Olympics. The discussions also focused on enhancing performance at the upcoming 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, led the sessions, urging that the insights gained should drive action towards a more robust sports framework in the country.
Collaborative Vision for Sports Development
During the Chintan Shivir, held at Kanha Shanti Vanam, participants engaged in extensive discussions on sports governance and development. On the first day, the focus was on establishing a collaborative framework between the Central Government and States/UTs. The second day shifted towards actionable strategies, particularly in promoting school sports and enhancing the welfare of athletes. Dr. Mandaviya highlighted the importance of these discussions transcending the conference room, aiming instead to align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed India by 2047, where sports play a crucial role in nation-building.
Stakeholders agreed on the necessity of early talent identification, supported by a robust ecosystem to ensure that no potential athlete is overlooked. Dr. Mandaviya emphasized that athletes are invaluable assets to the nation, announcing upgrades to the National Sports Repository System. This system aims to facilitate close monitoring and systematic development of every registered athlete, ensuring that their progress is tracked effectively.
Revamping School Sports and Coaching Ecosystem
A significant portion of the discussions revolved around reimagining the National School Games. Stakeholders envisioned this initiative as a structured platform that provides competitive exposure and a clear developmental pathway for young athletes, starting at the district level. With approximately 15 lakh schools and eight crore students in India, the potential for talent identification is immense. The National Sports Repository System and the Khelo India Rising Talent Identification (KIRTI) programme were identified as vital tools to harness this potential.
Additionally, the Chintan Shivir addressed the need to enhance the coaching ecosystem. Participants discussed the importance of establishing a standardized policy and qualification system to ensure that the best coaches are integrated into the sports framework. The welfare of coaches and their holistic development were also key topics, with a consensus that athletes should remain at the center of all developmental schemes.
Commitment to Collaboration and Best Practices
Union Minister of State, Smt. Raksha Khadse, echoed Dr. Mandaviya’s call for states to collaborate with the government in building a robust sports ecosystem. She emphasized that achieving excellence at the Olympics requires a united effort. Smt. Khadse urged states to adopt and implement best practices from one another to enhance their sporting frameworks. In response, representatives from various states reaffirmed their commitment to mutual learning and collaboration, aiming to position India as a global sports powerhouse by the time it celebrates its centenary of independence.
The Chintan Shivir concluded with a shared vision among stakeholders to work together towards a brighter future for Indian sports, ensuring that the nation not only excels in hosting international events but also in nurturing world-class athletes.
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