Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan laid out an ambitious roadmap for sports development, emphasizing grassroots talent and future global aspirations during the closing ceremony of the Sansad Khel Mahotsav in Sambalpur on Thursday.
Modi's Message and Sambalpur's Sporting Legacy
Addressing the event, Pradhan highlighted the inspirational role of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In a virtual address, PM Modi conveyed a powerful philosophy for athletes, stating that in sports, there is no defeat, only learning. Pradhan praised Sambalpur's rich sporting heritage, calling it a cradle that has produced numerous national and international athletes.
He stressed that the core of this vision is identifying and nurturing new talent from the grassroots level. The minister urged local authorities to create a comprehensive master plan dedicated to sports development across the region.
A Concrete Plan for Year-Round Sports Culture
To translate this vision into action, Pradhan advocated for the creation of a structured sports calendar. This calendar would facilitate year-round competitions, starting from the block level all the way up to the district level. A key focus of this plan is strengthening sports facilities in rural areas to ensure widespread access and participation.
The minister specifically called for the promotion of traditional and popular sports including football, kabaddi, kho-kho, athletics, and swimming. In a significant announcement for the city, he revealed plans to establish a modern stadium in Sambalpur with dedicated facilities for women athletes.
Community Engagement and Global Ambitions
Going beyond conventional sports infrastructure, Pradhan proposed introducing unique community-centric events. One such innovative idea is a 'boat festival' on the Mahanadi river, aimed at further engaging the local population with sporting activities.
Looking at the bigger picture, the Union Minister also revealed India's ambitions on the global sports stage. He pointed towards the country's goal of hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2030, underscoring the long-term importance of building a strong sporting ecosystem from the ground up.
