Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, highlighted the Central Government’s efforts in strengthening the institutional foundation for sports reform over the past year and a half. Speaking at the Sports Governance Conclave in Ahmedabad, organized by the Government of India, Government of Gujarat, and Indian Olympic Association, he outlined key priorities for enhancing India’s sports ecosystem. These priorities include governance reforms, talent identification, coaching development, and increased private sector involvement in sports infrastructure.
Dr. Mandaviya commended the Government’s resolve in implementing decisions related to sports, citing initiatives like the National Sports Governance Act, Khelo Bharat Niti, and improvements in coach recruitment. He stressed the need to address persistent issues within sports federations, such as corruption and unfair practices, emphasizing the importance of athlete welfare and integrity in governance. The Minister called for federations to ensure fair elections, financial transparency, and compliance with governance norms under the National Sports Governance Act.
The Minister urged sports federations to adopt a professional approach and develop long-term roadmaps for growth and success. He announced upcoming policy initiatives focused on transparent selection trials, enhanced athlete welfare, and a corporate model for sports. Dr. Mandaviya underscored the Government’s commitment to sports science and high-performance support, urging federations to align with these efforts to achieve India’s sporting goals. He set a national target of a Top-10 finish in the Olympic medal tally and emphasized the importance of consistent improvement in international competitions.
