NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the youth of the country, including sportspersons, from more than 1,500 locations on August 27 as part of a nationwide programme to mark National Sports Day.
The virtual address will be part of ‘Khelo India Samvaad – Khel Ki Baat, PM Ke Saath’, a major initiative of the Sports Ministry being organised two days ahead of National Sports Day, which is celebrated on August 29 to commemorate the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand.
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said the programme would bring together youth, athletes and educational institutions across the country. IITs, IIMs, NITs, AIIMS, premier medical colleges and universities will participate in the nationwide campaign.
“Key excerpts from the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s Independence Day message on Sports and Youth Power will also be showcased. This will be followed by the virtual address of the Hon’ble Prime Minister to the youth across the country,” Mandaviya said.
The programme will begin with a welcome by MY Bharat volunteers, followed by a video presentation highlighting the transformation of India’s sporting ecosystem over the past 12 years. Physical programmes will be held at more than 1,500 locations after the Prime Minister’s address.
In Delhi, celebrations will be organised at four-five locations, including IIT Delhi, where Mandaviya will participate.
Several leading former and current athletes and international medal winners, including Indian Olympic Association President PT Usha, Manika Batra, Deepa Karmakar, Saina Nehwal, Gagan Narang, PR Sreejesh, Mary Kom, Baichung Bhutia, Pullela Gopichand, Anju Bobby George, Karnam Malleswari and Mirabai Chanu, will interact with young participants. Some cricketers are also expected to take part.
The programme aims to create direct dialogue between sports-loving youth and policymakers, allowing young people to share their experiences, challenges and suggestions.
Mandaviya said discussions would focus on four themes — strengthening the grassroots sports ecosystem, nurturing talent for the 2036 Olympics, promoting youth leadership and participation in governance, and empowering youth for a Viksit Bharat.
Suggestions received during the programme will be shared with policymakers and the wider sports ecosystem. A Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue quiz will also be organised, while youth will be encouraged to register on the MY Bharat Portal for continued engagement beyond the event.