The Impressive TimesNew Delhi, 12 September 2025: At the inaugural session of the PLAYCOM Business of Sports Summit 2025, Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, called for making sports an integral part of daily life across India. “Every street in Bharat should become a sporting arena, and every podium should witness Bharat’s flag flying high,” he remarked, emphasizing the need to nurture sporting talent from the grassroots.
Addressing an audience of industry leaders, policymakers, and sports professionals, Dr. Mandaviya highlighted that sports is not only a profession or form of entertainment but also a vital component of India’s culture and economy. He urged citizens to embrace sports as a people’s movement, with initiatives like Sundays on Cycles exemplifying grassroots engagement. According to the Minister, instilling a love for sports in children from an early age is crucial to developing a generation of competitive and disciplined athletes.
Dr. Mandaviya spoke extensively about reforms in India’s sporting ecosystem under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Programs such as Fit India and Khelo India have been pivotal in raising awareness and enthusiasm for sports nationwide. “Our talent pool is immense. What it requires is opportunity, nurturing, and respect,” he said, stressing the importance of sustained support and systematic talent development.
Outlining a long-term strategic vision, the Minister revealed plans for 10-year and 25-year frameworks aimed at transforming India into one of the top five sporting nations globally. He emphasized that robust policy measures, institutional governance, and effective planning are essential to achieve this goal.
Dr. Mandaviya highlighted the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, describing it as a landmark legislation designed to ensure athlete-centric administration, transparent dispute resolution, and enhanced representation of women in decision-making bodies. “Women must not only participate but also have space to voice their opinions,” he added.
The Minister also discussed the Khelo Bharat Niti – 2025, a policy formulated after extensive stakeholder consultations and international benchmarking. The framework focuses on creating enabling ecosystems, professional academies, and competitive leagues to support athletes from a young age while promoting inclusivity and performance excellence.
As part of the Summit, Dr. Mandaviya inaugurated the Sports Tech and Manufacturing Expo at Bharat Mandapam. Dignitaries including Smt. PT Usha, President of the Indian Olympic Association, Dr. Nirmala Lakshman, and Shri Ayon Sengupta, Editor of Sportstar, were present. The Expo showcased cutting-edge innovations, sporting equipment, and solutions to strengthen India’s sports infrastructure.
Concluding his address, the Minister emphasized collective action: “India’s rise as a sporting superpower requires the unified effort of government, industry, institutions, and the people,” reinforcing the call to make sports a truly national movement.
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