LG calls for grassroots sports push at ‘Chintan Shivir’
Excelsior Sports Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Apr 25: Lieutenant Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha today called for a comprehensive strengthening of grassroots sports ecosystems across the country, while addressing the national 'Chintan Shivir' on sports in Srinagar.
The three-day event, organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, is deliberating on key policy challenges in the sports sector, improving coordination between the Centre and States/UTs, and formulating a roadmap to transform India into a global sporting powerhouse. The Shivir is being attended by sports ministers from various states, senior administrators, principal secretaries, and representatives of national sports federations.
In his address, the LG emphasized that a vibrant sports culture must take root at the grassroots level, beginning in villages and local communities. He observed that true champions are often discovered in small towns, neighbourhoods, and local clubs, where raw talent is first nurtured before being refined in professional academies.
Highlighting the need to integrate sports into everyday life, he said it should go beyond stadiums and competitive events to become a part of daily routines, thriving in streets, open fields, and community spaces.
The LG also stressed the pivotal role of physical education teachers in schools, urging policymakers and administrators to ensure they are provided with adequate resources, respect, and recognition. He noted that physical education teachers are instrumental in identifying and nurturing young talent and must not be undervalued compared to teachers of other disciplines.
Underscoring that sports is a powerful tool for social transformation, he said infrastructure alone is not sufficient. Instead, it must be complemented by purposeful initiatives and a collaborative approach involving schools, families, communities, and local administrations to create an enabling ecosystem for young athletes.
The LG further called for the optimal utilization of sports infrastructure and stressed the importance of ensuring that central schemes effectively reach rural areas rich in untapped talent. He also advocated for sharing and replicating best practices among states.
Calling upon the corporate sector to play a more proactive role, he said building a sustainable and inclusive sports ecosystem requires collective effort, with corporates acting as key partners in bridging the gap between talent and opportunity.
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