India’s sports landscape has transformed under Modi Government: Dr Mandaviya

December 8, 2024 6 Views No Comment

Our Correspondent
Kohima | December 8

Union Minister of Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr Mansukh L. Mandaviya today said that over the last decade, India has undergone a remarkable transformation in the field of sports under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“From being mere participants, we have evolved into serious contenders on the global stage, be it at the Olympics, Paralympics, or international tournaments. This transformation is the result of strategic planning, grassroots engagement, and a steadfast commitment to excellence,” he said during interaction programme with the Department of Labour & Employment, Youth Resources & Sports and 24 sports Associations under the banner of Nagaland Olympic Association.

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In a programme held at Indira Gandhi Stadium Kohima, Dr Mandaviya said that in contrast to earlier times when the focus on sports development was limited, the current administration has taken a more proactive and comprehensive approach to reshape the sports ecosystem.

Several key initiatives have been launched to foster a culture of sports, encourage fitness, and support athletes at every level. The Union Minister cited the examples of the various sports development schemes of the Modi government including the Khelo India Scheme, Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), KIRTI Project, FIT India Movement and the National Sports Repository System (NSRS) etc.

“The Modi government has prioritized the development of sports infrastructure through various schemes, including the National Sports Development Fund and the National Sports Infrastructure Scheme. The aim is to provide world-class training facilities and venues for athletes across the country,” Dr Mandaviya said.

Utilizing a transparent selection methodology based on Information Technology, Data Analytics, and Artificial Intelligence, Khelo India Rising Talent Identification (KIRTI) Programme aims to identify grassroots talent, ensuring sports reach every child in the country and streamlining the talent identification process through a single platform, Dr Mandaviya said adding that the ASMITA Khelo India Women’s League initiative emphasizes the government’s commitment to advancing gender equality in sports, providing a platform for women athletes and leveraging technology through the ASMITA Portal to enhance engagement and overall sports experience.

Highlighting National Sports Repository System (NSRS) which is a comprehensive digital solution that connects major stakeholders like athletes, coaches, academies, federations, and administrators, the Union Minister said that the system includes modules for performance assessment and features like the auto-disbursal of cash rewards for athletes, mapping of sports infrastructure across the country, and more.

‘India recognizes e-sports’
The Union Minster said that government has recognized the potential of e-sports to not only entertain but also create new opportunities for youth, innovation, and economic growth.

“Unlike earlier times when gaming was seen merely as a hobby, e-sports have now been acknowledged as a serious, competitive field, with growing investments and support from various stakeholders. The government’s initiatives to promote e-sports in India reflect its vision to make the country a global hub for digital sports, providing young Indians with the tools and platforms to excel in this field,” Dr Mandaviya said.

e-sports in India has also seen a tremendous rise, gaining official recognition as part of multi-sport events and unlocking new opportunities for gamers to compete on prestigious global platforms. This rapidly growing field is engaging millions of young Indians, blending technology, creativity, and competition while fostering essential skills like strategy and teamwork, he said.

Beyond gaming, the e-sports industry is contributing significantly to the economy by creating diverse job opportunities in areas such as game development, broadcasting, event management, and content creation. Moreover, with increasing support for startups and ventures in the gaming sector, the government is driving investment and innovation, paving the way for India to emerge as a global hub for e-sports excellence, he said.