Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya on Sunday said that fit individuals in the country hold the key for India to become a developed nation. Mandaviya, who is on a three-day Chintan Shivir organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, flagged off the ‘Sunday on Cycle’ event on the banks of the Dal Lake.

Addressing the inaugural session, Mandaviya said India’s sporting ambitions will be realised through execution on the ground.

He said, “Our 10-year roadmap to becoming a global sporting powerhouse must not remain on paper; it must come alive in every playground, every district, and every young dream.”

The Honourable Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir also attended the Chintan Shivir and applauded the vision of making India a powerhouse of sports.

“The Khelo Bharat Mission is not just a statistic; it is a reflection of the energy of our youth and the commitment of the nation. If even one talented child is left behind due to a lack of opportunity, it is not just a personal loss; it is a loss for the entire nation,” he added.

Outlining the importance of the ChintanShivir, he said, “This gathering is not merely a conference; it is a collective moment of reflection, resolve, and renewed commitment.”

The ChintanShivir saw thematic sessions focusing on medal strategy, policy coordination, clean and safe sport, and talent identification and development.

Over 15 State Sports Ministers, along with eminent sports personalities including Adille Sumariwalla, Abhinav Bindra, Pullela Gopichand, and Gagan Narang, attended the Chintan Shivir and shared their ideas with the stakeholders, reflecting a collective commitment towards strengthening India’s sports ecosystem and advancing collaborative policy dialogue.