National Sports Day Preparations Boosted by Minister's Call for Youth Participation

The upcoming National Sports Day on 29 August will be observed with renewed vigor after Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat’s address at the Khelo India Dialogue in Jodhpur. Paying homage to hockey great Major Dhyan Chand, the minister called for a nationwide movement to engage school‑going children in regular sports activities.

Shekhawat highlighted the role of the Khelo India programme in providing infrastructure, coaching and financial aid to budding sportsmen and women. He emphasized that an active sporting culture helps keep youngsters away from addictions and channels their enthusiasm into productive pursuits.

Representatives from NIFT Jodhpur, along with the institute’s director and volunteers from the “My Bharat” campaign, were thanked for their role in organising the event. Their collaboration, the minister noted, exemplifies the kind of public‑private partnership needed to drive the nation’s sports agenda forward.

The minister’s appeal resonated with participants, who reiterated their commitment to promote sports in schools, colleges and community centres across Rajasthan and beyond.