New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually address young people, including athletes and students, across more than 1,500 locations in the country on Thursday, August 27, as part of a nationwide programme ahead of National Sports Day.
The initiative, titled ‘Khelo India Samvaad — Khel Ki Baat, PM Ke Saath’, is being organised by the Sports Ministry. National Sports Day is observed on August 29 to mark the birth anniversary of hockey legend Dhyan Chand.
Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said the programme is aimed at creating direct interaction between young people, sportspersons and policymakers while collecting ideas that could shape India’s sporting and youth ecosystem.
PM Modi’s Virtual Address To Reach Students, Athletes
The programme will bring together participants from IITs, IIMs, NITs, AIIMS, medical colleges, universities and other educational institutions.
It will begin with a welcome by MY Bharat volunteers, followed by a video presentation highlighting changes in India’s sporting ecosystem over the past 12 years.
Excerpts from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day message focusing on sports and youth power will also be shown before his virtual address.
Once the address concludes, physical programmes will begin at more than 1,500 locations. In Delhi, events are planned at four to five venues, including IIT Delhi, where Mandaviya will participate.
PT Usha, Mary Kom, Saina Nehwal Among Athletes To Join
Several former and current Indian sporting stars and international medallists will interact with young participants during the programme.
The line-up includes PT Usha, Mary Kom, Saina Nehwal, Manika Batra, Mirabai Chanu and Baichung Bhutia.
Deepa Karmakar, Gagan Narang, PR Sreejesh, Pullela Gopichand, Anju Bobby George and Karnam Malleswari are also among the sporting personalities expected to participate.
The athletes will speak about their careers, including the challenges, failures and successes they encountered on their journeys.
Focus On 2036 Olympics And Viksit Bharat
According to Mandaviya, discussions will revolve around four major themes: strengthening sporting infrastructure and coaching at the grassroots, identifying and developing talent for the 2036 Olympics, increasing youth participation in leadership and governance, and empowering young people for Viksit Bharat through skills, volunteering and nation-building opportunities.
Suggestions collected during the programme will be shared with policymakers and stakeholders in the sports ecosystem.
A Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue Quiz will also be organised, while participants will be encouraged to register with MY Bharat as part of efforts to extend youth engagement beyond the one-day programme.
