Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, today delivered an inspiring address at the inaugural session of the PLAYCOM Business of Sports Summit 2025, held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. In his keynote speech, he emphasized the importance of transforming India into a sporting nation where “every street becomes a sporting arena” and “every podium reflects the glory of Bharat’s flag.”
Calling for sports to become a people’s movement, Dr. Mandaviya urged citizens to instill a love for sports in every child, embed it in family culture, and support grassroots engagement through initiatives like “Sundays on Cycles.” He emphasized that sports must be seen not just as competition or entertainment, but as a way of life, a profession, and an integral part of the national economy.
The Minister outlined the government’s ambitious, long-term vision for the sector. “We are working on a 10-year and 25-year strategic roadmap to transform India’s sports ecosystem in line with the Prime Minister’s vision of a Viksit Bharat, aiming to position India among the top five sporting nations globally,” he stated.
Dr. Mandaviya also highlighted key policy reforms such as the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, which he described as a landmark legislation promoting athlete-centric governance, transparent dispute resolution, and women’s representation in sports administration. “Women must have not only equal opportunity to participate, but also platforms to lead and express their vision,” he asserted.
Another key reform presented was the Khelo Bharat Niti – 2025, a future-oriented national sports policy developed through global benchmarking and wide stakeholder consultations. Dr. Mandaviya stressed the importance of creating enabling ecosystems through academies, professional leagues, and targeted support to young athletes across the country.
He noted the success of campaigns like “Fit India” and “Khelo India”, which have mobilized citizens and built awareness around fitness and sports. “India has immense talent; what it needs is opportunity, nurturing, and respect,” he said.
Concluding his address, Dr. Mandaviya made a powerful appeal for collective action: “India’s rise as a sporting superpower depends on the shared efforts of the government, industry, institutions, and most importantly — the people.”
On the sidelines of the event, the Union Minister also inaugurated the Sports Tech and Manufacturing Expo, showcasing India’s growing capabilities in sports innovation and equipment manufacturing.
The summit was graced by key dignitaries including P.T. Usha, President of the Indian Olympic Association; Dr. Nirmala Laksham, Chairperson of The Hindu Group; and Ayon Sengupta, Editor of Sportstar, among others.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
