Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Dibrugarh Khel Lok Sabha MP, Sarbananda Sonowal, on December 25, 2025, said that Narendra Modi has transformed sports in India from a niche activity into a nationwide mass movement. Addressing athletes, students, and local residents at the Sansad Khel Mahotsav in Dibrugarh, Assam, Sonowal highlighted how sports are now central to youth empowerment, fitness, and nation-building.
Sports as a Pillar of Nation-Building
Speaking at the event, Sonowal said the Prime Minister’s vision places fitness, discipline, and athletic excellence at the heart of India’s development journey.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji has given sports a central place in India’s growth by turning fitness and athletic excellence into a people’s movement,” he said, calling upon youth to build a healthy, sports-oriented India guided by the spirit of Khelo India – Khelo Desh.
Sansad Khel Mahotsav Strengthens Grassroots Sports
Sonowal noted that the Sansad Khel Mahotsav has become a powerful platform for early talent identification and community participation.
“This initiative is nurturing grassroots talent, strengthening community bonds, and instilling discipline, confidence, and character among our youth,” he said, adding that such local platforms are vital for building a sustainable sporting ecosystem.
Targeted Incentives for Emerging Athletes in Dibrugarh
Announcing constituency-level support, Sonowal said promising sportspersons from Dibrugarh would soon receive targeted incentives and institutional support.
“Talented athletes from Dibrugarh will be given special assistance to enhance training and performance so they can compete at higher levels and bring recognition to Assam and the nation,” he stated.
National Sports Reforms Since 2014
Referring to Good Governance Day, observed on the birth anniversary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Sonowal highlighted the far-reaching sports reforms undertaken since 2014.
“Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, India has witnessed unprecedented expansion of sports infrastructure, wider participation, and systematic talent identification from every corner of the country,” he said.
He cited flagship initiatives such as Khelo India, Fit India, and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), which have created structured pathways, world-class facilities, and professional training environments—enabling young Indians to pursue sports as a serious career.
Assam’s Alignment with the National Vision
Sonowal said Assam has aligned closely with the national sports vision through initiatives like Khel Mahotsav, which identify talent from villages, tea garden areas, and remote regions, preparing athletes for national and international competitions.
He added that improved indoor and outdoor stadium infrastructure in Dibrugarh has increased parental confidence in sports as a viable career option.
Dignitaries Present at Dibrugarh Khel
The event was attended by several prominent dignitaries, including Assam Minister Prashanta Phukan, Dibrugarh Municipal Corporation Mayor and Deputy Mayor Ujjal Phukan, Chairman of Assam Petrochemicals Limited Bikul Deka, BJP District President Dulal Bora, Chairman of Dibrugarh Development Authority Asim Hazarika, Managing Director of Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizer Corporation Limited Pranjal Barman, Vice Chancellor of Sri Sri Aniruddhadeva University Prof. Narendra Nath Sarma, President of Dibrugarh District Sports Association Niranjan Saikia, Secretary Kamakhya Saikia, District Commissioner Bikram Kairi, and other distinguished guests and citizens.
Conclusion
The Dibrugarh Khel Mahotsav underscored how sports-led development is emerging as a powerful tool for youth empowerment and social cohesion. With strong national policies, grassroots platforms, and targeted local support, Assam—particularly Dibrugarh—is positioning itself as a nurturing ground for sporting talent, reinforcing India’s journey toward becoming a fit, confident, and globally competitive sporting nation.
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Source: PIB
