The Ministry of Rural Development, led by Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, organised an interaction with college students in Delhi as part of the nationwide Khelo India Samvaad program. The event, held at Mata Sundari College for Women, allowed young people to share their views on strengthening sports in the country, with the platform linked to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s broader vision for national development.
What students asked for
During the interaction, college participants put forward several concrete suggestions to improve sports participation across the country. They called for the introduction of sports psychology modules at Khelo India Centres and government sports academies, covering areas such as stress management, meditation and handling performance pressure.
Students also highlighted the need to expand sports infrastructure and opportunities in rural and remote areas. Their suggestions included providing affordable equipment, deploying trained coaches, running awareness campaigns and offering career guidance to aspiring athletes in underserved regions.
On financial barriers, students proposed that grants, equipment rental facilities and local training centres should be made available to help economically weaker students pursue sports. They also recommended workshops to sensitise parents and teachers so that young sporting talent receives greater family and school support.
What the minister said
Minister Chouhan emphasised that sports and academics must develop together, with physical activity helping young people build discipline, self-confidence and resilience. He stated that the government would listen to young people’s suggestions and make necessary policy changes where feasible. The minister assured students that special attention would be directed toward mental health services, nutrition and sports development in rural areas.
Students at the program were also administered a pledge by the minister to commit to a drug-free India, with an emphasis on health and fitness as sources of national strength.
What this means for you
If you are a student or aspiring athlete in India, this interaction signals that your concerns about sports access, mental health support and rural opportunities are being heard at the policy level. Some of your suggestions may lead to practical changes in how government sports programs operate. The event also underlines the government’s focus on making sports participation more inclusive, particularly for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and rural areas.