Dharmendra Pradhan outlines sports initiatives, future plans at Sansad Khel Mahotsav

Bhubaneswar: Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan highlighted significant strides made through initiatives like Sansad Khel Mahotsav during the event’s closing ceremony held in Sambalpur on Thursday.Addressing the gathering, Pradhan emphasised the pivotal role of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in inspiring the nation’s youth. Through a virtual address, the Prime Minister conveyed a powerful message: in sports, there is no defeat, only learning.Pradhan said Sambalpur, renowned for its rich sporting heritage, is a cradle for national and international athletes. He underscored the importance of identifying and nurturing new talent from the grassroots level.He urged the local authorities to devise a master plan for sports development. He also advocated for creation of a sports calendar to facilitate year-round competitions from block to district levels, with a focus on strengthening rural sports facilities.Pradhan called for promotion of sports such as football, kabaddi, kho-kho, athletics and swimming, before announcing plans to establish a modern stadium with dedicated facilities for women athletes in Sambalpur.Additionally, he proposed the introduction of unique events like a ‘boat festival’ on the Mahanadi to further engage the community. Looking ahead, Pradhan revealed India’s ambitions on the global stage, with the Commonwealth Games set to be hosted in 2030.