In a pivotal roundtable meeting held in New Delhi, Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, urged National Sports Federations (NSFs) to uphold good governance practices as India strives for a historic performance at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The discussion centered on establishing a robust sports ecosystem driven by meticulous planning, effective governance, and world-class infrastructure.
Dr. Mandaviya stressed the importance of greater transparency and accountability within NSFs to ensure athletes are not hindered by administrative challenges. Highlighting a 360-degree approach to sports development, he stated, “Our government is very clear that all federations must adopt good governance practices. Elections need to be transparent, and the cycle of prolonged litigations must end. This will allow athletes to focus on their performance without unnecessary distractions.”
The Minister emphasized the necessity of collective efforts from all stakeholders to enhance India’s medal tally in LA 2028 and support the nation’s ambition to host the 2036 Olympics. “Athletes represent the country, not individual organizations. To succeed, we must prioritize national interest and pool our resources effectively,” he added.
Harnessing India’s Sporting Potential
Dr. Mandaviya highlighted the country’s immense untapped sporting talent and the role of initiatives like Khelo India in nurturing young athletes. “India’s diverse geography supports a wide range of sports. Coastal regions can produce exceptional swimmers, while tribal areas are home to natural talents in disciplines like archery. The need of the hour is to identify this talent and provide them with the right platforms, equipment, and training at every stage,” he said.
The Minister also encouraged National Sports Federations to collaborate with the corporate sector through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. This partnership, he suggested, could help develop a strong academy culture, focusing on talent identification, training, and coaching.
Strengthening Coaching and Support Systems
To enhance the quality of Indian coaches, Dr. Mandaviya proposed international exposure and skill development programs. “We are working on a plan to provide our coaches with global-level training opportunities,” he announced.
The Minister further revealed plans to optimize the contribution of government officials recruited under the sports quota. These officials, working across Central Government Departments and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), will be strategically engaged in sports-related activities to maximize their impact.
Commitment to Transparency and Governance
Senior representatives of recognized NSFs expressed their commitment to improving governance and appreciated the government’s efforts in creating a conducive environment for athletes to excel. Dr. Mandaviya’s call for transparent elections and accountability resonated strongly, ensuring that the focus remains on empowering athletes and strengthening India’s position on the global sports stage.
As India gears up for LA 2028, the collective resolve of all stakeholders—government, NSFs, corporate partners, and athletes—is set to redefine the nation’s sporting landscape, paving the way for unparalleled success.
