The Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, participated in the ‘Khelo India Samvaad’ program at Mata Sundari College for Women in Delhi. The event, organised in collaboration with MY Bharat, brought together the minister and students to discuss how sports can strengthen the country’s development vision. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the chief guest for the nationwide program.
What was discussed
During the interaction, Shri Chouhan stressed that sports and education must work together to build confidence, discipline and resilience in young people. He said the government values student suggestions and will examine feasible proposals to change policies where needed.
Students raised several key points:
- Sports psychology training should be added to Khelo India Centres and government sports academies, covering stress management, meditation and how to handle pressure and failure
- Rural and remote areas need better sports infrastructure, affordable equipment, trained coaches and career guidance for aspiring athletes
- Financial support programs like grants and equipment rental should help economically weaker students participate in sports
- Parents and teachers should receive training to encourage sporting talent among young people
Shri Chouhan assured students that special focus would be given to mental health, nutrition and sports development in rural areas. He also administered a Drug-Free India pledge to college students, emphasising that healthy and fit youth are the nation’s strength.
What this means for you
If you are a student athlete or interested in sports, the government is now formally listening to concerns about access, coaching quality and financial barriers. Suggestions about mental health support and rural sports infrastructure may translate into new programs or changes to existing ones. The direct interaction model suggests that student voices on sports policy will reach decision-makers. However, implementation will depend on which suggestions the concerned departments consider feasible.