Government Push Towards a Sporting Nation
Shri Puri emphasised that since 2014, India has made a conscious effort to transform into a “sporting nation.” He pointed out that this transformation extends beyond funding to include nutrition, sports science, and advanced coaching. The recently passed National Sports Governance Bill, 2025, he said, is a milestone that will enhance accountability and transparency across sports bodies.
The Minister credited these reforms for India’s record-breaking performances in recent years. At the 2023 Asian Games, Indian athletes secured 107 medals, while the 2024 Para Asian Games saw 29 medals, including seven golds.
PSPB’s Legacy and Achievements
Founded as one of the largest sports promotion bodies in the country, the PSPB consists of 16 member organisations supporting 19 sporting disciplines. Over the years, its athletes have consistently brought laurels to the nation.
Notably, 151 national awardees have been PSPB sportspersons. This includes 3 Padma Bhushan awardees, 13 Padma Shri recipients, 10 Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna awardees, 1 Dronacharya Awardee, 7 Dhyan Chand Lifetime Achievement honorees, and 117 Arjuna Awardees. According to Shri Puri, this track record reflects the deep-rooted impact of PSPB in shaping Indian sports.
Sports Development at the Grassroots
Beyond national-level contributions, PSPB has also been active in promoting grassroots sports. Shri Puri highlighted efforts in Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh, a district he has adopted under the Aspirational Districts Programme. Archery competitions have been organised to nurture local talent, and plans are underway to establish a water sports training centre and host a sailing event in the region.
These initiatives, he noted, align with the government’s broader vision of expanding access to sports infrastructure across rural and semi-urban India.
Collective Effort to Build Sports Ecosystem
The event also featured PSPB Member Secretary Ms. Sabeena Chowdhary and Sudeva Delhi FC President Shri Anuj Gupta, both of whom reiterated the importance of partnerships in shaping future champions. Shri Puri praised their contributions and said India’s oil and gas PSUs are not just powering the economy but also fueling the dreams of young athletes.
“Sports is about more than medals—it is about character, discipline, and unity. Our PSUs have demonstrated how institutions can contribute meaningfully to nation-building through sports,” Shri Puri concluded.
