Unlocking Sports Potential: Minister Urges National Sports Federations to Craft Dynamic 5-Year Plans at Khelo Bharat Conclave

Performance-based funding and innovative talent identification were key topics at the recent Khelo Bharat Conclave, where Indian sports leaders gathered to discuss the future. With a goal to elevate India into the top five sporting nations by 2047, stakeholders are eager to implement new strategies to reach this ambition.

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya urged National Sports Federations (NSFs) to submit a five-year plan by the end of August. This plan will help shape a decade-long vision, especially with the Asian Games approaching in 2026. The minister emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to develop not just medal-winning athletes but also to enhance sports tourism, particularly in regions like Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir.

One intriguing suggestion came from Gagan Narang, a former Olympic medalist in shooting. He proposed a performance-linked funding system for NSFs. This would ensure that financial support is closely tied to how well a federation performs, offering clear metrics for evaluation.

Another notable idea was shared by Kalyan Chaubey, head of the All India Football Federation. He introduced the concept of genetic testing for aspiring athletes. This method analyzes DNA to identify qualities that may influence performance in specific sports. Such insights could guide athletes toward disciplines where they can excel, making training more effective.

In addition to these ideas, a structured talent development system is being developed. The government plans to establish residential sports schools for over 16,500 students, helping them reach a higher competitive level. The objective is to nurture more than 1,300 athletes capable of winning international medals.

Despite the new initiatives, not all voices were positive. The Wrestling Federation of India expressed frustration over corporate involvement in the sport. They believe that corporate interests jeopardize their efforts by poaching talented athletes.

With such a mix of optimism and challenges, the future of Indian sports is an ongoing conversation. As we look toward major events like the Olympics and the Asian Games, these developments will undoubtedly shape the landscape of athletics in India.

Sources and further reading:

• Government Sports Strategy
• Genetic Testing in Sports

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