Three-Day Chintan Shivir to Enhance Sports and Youth Development in India

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports is organizing a three-day Chintan Shivir in Srinagar from April 24-26, 2026. This event aims to enhance sports governance and youth development through structured discussions and collaboration between the Centre and States. Key officials and representatives from national initiatives will participate, focusing on strategies for athlete development, grassroots sports, and youth engagement. The Shivir will also address sports governance issues and promote a robust sports ecosystem. With a thematic framework encouraging dialogue and actionable outcomes, this event is a significant step towards achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 24, 2026, 01:57 IST

Upcoming Chintan Shivir in Srinagar

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports is set to host a three-day Chintan Shivir for Ministers of Youth Affairs and Sports from various States and Union Territories, scheduled from April 24 to 26, 2026, at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir.

This event will be spearheaded by Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and Minister of State Raksha Nikhil Khadse, as stated in an official announcement.

The Chintan Shivir aims to provide a platform for in-depth discussions focused on enhancing sports governance and youth development through improved collaboration between the Centre and States, policy alignment, and institutional integration.

Key officials from the Ministry, including Pallavi Jain Govil, Secretary (Youth Affairs), Nitesh Kumar Mishra, Additional Secretary (Youth Affairs), and Hari Ranjan Rao, Secretary (Sports), will be present, along with representatives from significant national initiatives like Khelo India, Fit India, MY Bharat, and the National Service Scheme (NSS).

Discussions will prioritize the enhancement of the sports ecosystem in India, focusing on strategies for medal acquisition and athlete development pathways under the Khelo India Mission, improving coordination between the Centre and States through the proposed Khelo Bharat Niti, and advancing systems for talent identification and grassroots sports development.

Topics concerning sports governance, the promotion of clean and safe sports, and the establishment of a strong sports goods manufacturing sector will also be addressed.

The Shivir will review the Action Taken Report from previous sessions to ensure continuity, accountability, and measurable results. In addition to sports, youth affairs will be a significant focus, aiming to expand engagement, enhance delivery frameworks, and improve institutional impact.

Discussions will cover the Annual Action Plan for 2026-27, strengthening grassroots youth club ecosystems, and boosting digital engagement via the MY Bharat portal. Special attention will be given to enhancing collaboration between MY Bharat and the NSS, including funding mechanisms and program coordination to improve outreach and efficiency.

Key themes such as leadership development, volunteerism, experiential learning, and youth-led initiatives like the Nasha Mukti Abhiyan will also be explored. The three-day event is structured around the thematic framework of “Samvaad Se Samadhaan”, “Samadhaan Se Sankalp”, and “Aatmaavlokan”, promoting dialogue, cross-learning, and actionable outcomes.

Sessions will feature keynote speeches, presentations by Ministry officials and State representatives, sharing of best practices, structured discussions, and thematic group work. Collaborative policy labs and feedback sessions will aid in designing solutions and planning implementations, while real-time documentation will support actionable outcomes.

The Shivir will also include activities aimed at fostering holistic engagement, such as Yoga sessions, a Fit India Cyclothon, and a cultural program, along with opportunities for informal discussions among participating States and Union Territories.

This Chintan Shivir is envisioned as a crucial step towards strengthening cooperative federalism, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, and enhancing the effectiveness of programs in both sports and youth development sectors.

The anticipated outcomes are expected to guide future policy directions and contribute to the establishment of a robust sports ecosystem alongside an empowered and engaged youth base, aligning with the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.