State Governments should incorporate ecosystem of high performance in line with gold standard established by Khelo India: Raksha Khadse
Union MoS Youth Affairs & Sports stresses need for states to rigorously adopt high performance models, sports science, and Khelo Bharat Niti
Panel discussions focus on ‘Shaping the Future of Indian Sport’ and ‘Integration of Sports and Education’
Mumbai, August 30, 2025
Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Smt. Raksha Khadse attended 'National Sports Day Conclave 2025' organized by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Regional Centre Mumbai, at its Kandivali campus today, to mark the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand and to celebrate the spirit of sportsmanship, fitness, and youth development in India. Two insightful panel discussions on contemporary issues shaping Indian sports were held on the occasion. Shri Adille Sumariwalla, Vice President of World Athletics and President of the Athletics Federation of India; Shri Sanjay Bhatia,Upa-Lokayukt, Maharashtra State; Ms. Ayesha Shroff Founder, MFN MMA & MMA Matrix Gym); film actor Shri Tahir Raj Bhasin, SAI RC- Mumbai Director Shri Pandurang Chate and other eminent personalities from sports, cinema, and public life participated in the event.
Speaking on the occasion, MoS (Youth Affairs and Sports) Smt. Khadse said that National Sports Day (NSD) 2025 celebrations this year are led by the Fit India Mission and are being organised as a three-day, nation-wide sports and fitness movement from August 29 to 31 under the inspiring theme ‘Ek Ghanta, Khel ke Maidan Main’. Under the leadership of PM Shri Narendra Modi, NSD 2025 celebration has taken the form of a Jan Andolan in the truest sense, with schools, colleges & universities bringing together over 35 crore students. The MoS (Youth Affairs and Sports) also said, Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 is a new start and will play a major role in enabling sports sector to contribute largely towards building a Viksit Bharat by 2047. The Government of India is determined to strengthen the sports sector and is committed towards developing sports culture, sports infrastructure, and the entire sports ecosystem of the country in a mission mode, stated Union Minister Ms. Khadse. Suggestions and feedback of sportspersons and various stakeholders, right from the block level have been incorporated for the national level framework, she added.
MoS (Youth Affairs and Sports) Smt. Raksha Khadse stated that Khelo India has created a framework that is now globally benchmarked, but for India to maximize its sporting potential, state-level adoption and execution is equally critical. She urged states to build stronger partnerships with private stakeholders, educational institutions, and local communities to ensure a robust talent pipeline. Highlighting the government’s vision, she said that athletes deserve exposure to the best coaching, infrastructure, and scientific support, and emphasized that a unified effort between the Centre and the States is indispensable if India is to become a consistent performer on the global stage. Smt. Khadse, also called upon state governments to incorporate ecosystems of high performance in line with the gold standards established under the Khelo India initiative. She stressed the need for states to rigorously adopt high-performance practices, strengthen sports science integration, and prepare athletes through a systematic approach as envisioned in the forthcoming Khelo Bharat Niti.
MoS Smt Khadse further said, the Government is also laying emphasis on the development of sports sector start-ups and the manufacturing of sports equipment in the country. Hosting of big sporting events in the country, which will also lead to boosting tourism, is also being given thrust. Ms. Khadse stated that developing the soft power of sports is in focus for the central government. She urged sports sector stakeholders at all levels, right from block, district and state levels, to take up the responsibility of channelizing the power of youth in the country towards sports and thereby support them. This is because sports teach time management, teamwork, patience, and develop physical and mental fitness in young people, she added. In this connection, Union Minister Ms Raksha Khadse also stated that fitness is essential for all age groups.
The first panel discussions was on the topic “Shaping the Future of Indian Sport: National Sports Governance Act & Khelo Bharat Niti”, where MoS Smt. Khadse, as a panelist, responded to key questions on India’s sports reforms and future aspirations. The other eminent panelists included Shri Sanjay Bhatia, Shri Adille Sumariwalla, Shri Srinivasan Saimani (Partner, LawNK – Sports & Media Legal Expert), and Shri Bunty Walia (Chairman & Managing Director, GS Worldwide Entertainment). Speaking about the National Sports Governance Act, she said that the legislation has been one of the most comprehensive reforms in independent India’s sporting history. It was shaped through wide-ranging consultations with athletes, federations, administrators, and legal experts, she added. “Our focus was to bring transparency, accountability, and efficiency into sports governance while ensuring that the athlete remains at the centre of every decision. The framework took months of dialogue and careful drafting so that it can serve as a guiding charter for the next generation of sports development in India”, said the MoS.
On India’s aspirations to be among the top sporting nations by 2047 and the ambition to host the 2036 Olympics, she noted, “The National Sports Governance Act, Khelo Bharat Niti, and existing policies are designed to complement each other. While the Act strengthens governance, Khelo Bharat Niti creates a roadmap for grassroots participation, athlete development, and international competitiveness. Together, these initiatives are laying the foundation for a robust sporting ecosystem that will allow India not just to compete but to excel globally. Hosting the 2036 Olympics is a national aspiration, and we are aligning our efforts to make that dream a reality.”
The second panel discussion was on the topic “Sports and Education: Building Future Careers, Skills, and Opportunities” and the esteemed panelists included, Shri Nilesh Kulkarni – Founder & Director, IISM & Former Indian Cricketer, Shri Pradeep Srikrishnan Gandhe – Vice President, Maharashtra Olympic Association, Dr. Nivedita Shreyans – Director, PR & Corporate Communication, Pillai Group of Institutions, Shri Narsingh Yadav – Olympian Wrestler, and Shri V. Ramanadha Reddy – Additional Commissioner, CGST Mumbai Zone.
The ceremony featured captivating sports demonstrations, including Artistic Yoga, wrestling bouts, and the felicitation of distinguished wrestlers who contributed to Indian sports. Outstanding athletes, including Khelo India accredited and NCOE Mumbai athletes who achieved international success, were also honoured. Prizes were awarded to winners of the essay, debate, and poster competitions conducted as part of the National Sports Day celebrations at SAI RC Mumbai.
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