ITANAGAR, 24 Aug: The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has announced that it will organise a 'Khelo India Samvaad' programme on 27 August as part of this year's National Sports Day celebrations, bringing together more than eight lakh young participants across 1,600 locations in the country.
Addressing the media at the APC here today, 'My Bharat' state director Dr Salam D Singh said that, as part of the initiative, 'Yuva Connect' will be organised in two colleges in every district across the country, providing young people with an opportunity to interact directly with sportspersons, MPs, MLAs, ministers and local leaders.
National Sports Day is observed on 29 August to commemorate the birth anniversary of legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand.
This year, however, he said the special programme will be organised on 27 August, with focus on youth participation, sports development and nation-building.
He said the programme aims to highlight the transformation of India's sports ecosystem over the past 12 years, while also providing a platform for young people to share their ideas, aspirations and suggestions for the future of Indian sports and Viksit Bharat.
"A key highlight will be the virtual address by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will interact with more than eight lakh young participants gathered at 1,600 locations across the country," he added.
Following the prime minister's address, Singh said, local youth interaction sessions will be held, including a dedicated interaction between MY Bharat volunteers and local sportspersons. The discussions will focus on the growth of sports infrastructure and the broader sports ecosystem in India.
The subsequent Yuva Samvaad, expected to last around 15 minutes, will provide participants with an opportunity to share their views on the future of Indian sports and the vision of Viksit Bharat.
The dialogue will centre on four key themes: strengthening the sports ecosystem by improving grassroots-level facilities, coaching and opportunities; nurturing sporting talent for the 2036 Olympics through scientific talent identification and athlete development; enhancing youth leadership and participation in governance; and empowering youths for Viksit Bharat through future-ready skills, volunteering and nation-building opportunities.
He said the suggestions from participating youths will be collected through a QR-code-based mechanism. Participants will also be encouraged to take part in the VBLYD quiz round at their respective venues.
