Sports as a People’s Movement
“Every street in Bharat should become a sporting arena, and every podium should witness Bharat’s flag flying high,” Dr. Mandaviya declared. He emphasised that sports is not just entertainment or a profession but a way of life that strengthens culture, health, and the economy. He highlighted community initiatives like “Sundays on Cycles” as examples of grassroots participation that foster a healthier, more active society.
Reforms Under PM Modi’s Leadership
Dr. Mandaviya pointed to reforms introduced in recent years under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Initiatives such as Fit India and Khelo India have already created nationwide awareness and enthusiasm. “Our reforms in sports must be continuous. We have immense talent in the country. What it needs is opportunity, nurturing and respect,” he said.
Vision for a Sporting Superpower
Sharing his vision, the Minister said India is working on both a 10-year and a 25-year strategic plan to establish a robust sporting ecosystem. These long-term strategies, he explained, will serve as roadmaps toward a Viksit Bharat and position India among the top five sporting nations of the world. He underlined the critical role of policy, governance, and institutional support in driving this transformation.
National Sports Governance Act, 2025
A key highlight of his address was the National Sports Governance Act, 2025. Describing it as landmark legislation, Dr. Mandaviya said the Act will introduce athlete-centric governance, dedicated mechanisms for dispute resolution, and mandatory representation for women in sports decision-making bodies. “Women must not only participate, but also have space to voice their opinions. This Act will ensure strong representation of women in sports governance,” he affirmed.
Khelo Bharat Niti – 2025
Dr. Mandaviya also spoke about the recently unveiled Khelo Bharat Niti – 2025. Developed through extensive stakeholder consultations and global benchmarking, the policy focuses on inclusivity, performance, and national interest. It draws from international best practices while aiming to create enabling ecosystems that identify and nurture promising athletes from a young age. The Minister stressed the need to expand academies and professional leagues across the country.
Collective Action for Sporting Excellence
Concluding his address, the Union Minister called for collective responsibility in making India a sporting superpower. “India’s rise as a sporting superpower requires the collective effort of government, industry, institutions, and most importantly, the people,” he said. He also inaugurated the Sports Tech and Manufacturing Expo at Bharat Mandapam, held alongside the summit.
The event witnessed the presence of eminent personalities including Smt. PT Usha, President of the Indian Olympic Association, Dr. Nirmala Laksham, Chairperson of The Hindu Group, and Shri Ayon Sengupta, Editor of Sportstar. Together, they reinforced the importance of aligning business, technology, and governance to accelerate India’s sporting ambitions.
