Hyderabad: Sports minister to hold two-day Chintan Shivir to discuss India’s Olympic preparations

Hyderabad: With a strategic vision for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and India’s ambitious bid to host the 2036 Summer Games, Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports and Labour and Employment Dr Mansukh Mandaviya will chair a high-level Chintan Shivir in Hyderabad on March 7-8.

Focus on sports governance

The two-day brainstorming session, hosted at Kanha Shanti Vanam, will bring together sports ministers from various States/UTs, senior sports administrators, key government officials and domain experts to exchange ideas and craft a roadmap for India’s emergence as a global sports powerhouse. The deliberations will focus on enhancing sports governance, grassroots talent identification, infrastructure development, inclusivity and fostering collaborations.

Dr Mandaviya, who is spearheading prime minister Narendra Modi’s vision to elevate India’s sporting landscape, will engage in strategic discussions with stakeholders on India’s Olympic ambitions and strengthening the sports ecosystem. State representatives will present their best practices and innovative models during the Chintan Shivir.

Key focus areas of the Chintan Shivir:

- Talent search and nurturing of grassroots talent

- Promoting good governance in sports

- Deliberations on expanding Khelo India and Fit India

- Encouraging inclusivity and sports

- Welfare of sportspersons and coaches

Emphasising the significance of a collaborative and result-oriented approach, Dr Mandaviya remarked, “The success of Indian athletes at the recent Uttarakhand National Games highlights our immense potential. Our goal is clear, which is achieving Olympic excellence and making India a global sports power. By sharing ideas and best practices, we can ensure a structured and sustainable sporting framework. Hosting the Olympics is a national mission, and we must move forward together.”

A critical aspect of the discussions will be leveraging the expertise of former athletes. Dr Mandaviya has urged States to identify top sportspersons who can transition into coaching roles, bridging gaps in the sporting ecosystem and strengthening the talent development pipeline.

The Chintan Shivir will serve as a catalyst for transformative changes in the Indian sports ecosystem, setting the stage for long-term success on the global stage.