Imphal, August 27, 2026: The NSS Cell, Manipur University, and MY Bharat, Imphal West District, jointly organised the Khelo India Dialogue—“Khel Ki Baat PM Modi Ke Sath” (Khelo India Samvaad) on the occasion of National Sports Day 2026 at the Court Hall of Manipur University on Thursday.
The programme, held under the aegis of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, began with a virtual address by Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Around 450 colleges and universities across the country participated in the nationwide event. From Manipur, 11 colleges and Manipur University joined the programme.
Addressing the participants, Prime Minister Modi said the Government is fully committed to building a modern sports ecosystem for India in the 21st century. From sports universities to advanced training centres, an ecosystem is being developed in which sporting talent can receive support at every stage, he said.
The Prime Minister stressed that sports are not limited to winning medals but is also a mission to unite India’s sporting talent and youth power in building a developed nation. Observing that every district has the potential to find a place on the global sporting map, he highlighted the proposed nationwide talent-identification initiative for children between five and 15 years of age.
He said attention should be given not only to the sport that interests a child but also to identifying the discipline for which the child is best suited. The Government would extend all possible support to young talent identified through this process, he assured.
The Prime Minister further observed that sports have emerged as an important career and profession in India. Describing Khelo India Samvaad as a platform where young people’s ideas could give new direction to the country’s sporting vision, he said the energy and ideas of the youth would contribute significantly to realising the vision of Viksit Bharat.
Shri Karam Shyam Singh, MLA of Langthabal Assembly Constituency, attended the programme as Chief Guest, while Prof. R.K. Hemakumar Singh, Vice-Chancellor (In-charge), Manipur University, presided over the function.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Karam Shyam said that during his nearly 25 years in public life, he had closely witnessed the difficulties faced by sportspersons, particularly athletes emerging from economically disadvantaged families. Many talented players struggle to afford proper equipment, nutritious food, coaching and travel expenses even after qualifying for national and international competitions, he said.
He observed that society often celebrates athletes only after they win medals, while very few people support them during the difficult years of training and struggle. The concerns and experiences of sportspersons must therefore be heard at platforms such as the Khelo India Dialogue so that legislators, policymakers and sports administrators can understand their actual requirements.
Shri Karam Shyam said Manipur, despite its relatively small population, has produced 19 Olympians through the determination of its athletes, the sacrifices of their families, the guidance of coaches and the support of local communities. Sports, he said, has introduced Manipur to the world and has become one of the strongest expressions of the State’s identity.
He called for the early identification of talented children at the village and school levels and the provision of scientific training, qualified coaching, equipment, nutrition and regular opportunities to compete. He also stressed the need for transparency in the implementation of sports schemes and timely financial assistance to athletes selected for national and international competitions.
Sportspersons should be able to approach the responsible authorities without fear and should not be turned away without being heard, he said. He appealed to the Government, universities, schools, coaches, sports organisations and elected representatives to work together so that no talented child is compelled to abandon sports because of poverty, inadequate facilities or administrative neglect.
In his presidential address, Prof. Hemakumar Singh said a physically fit population and a disciplined sporting culture are essential for the progress of the nation. He described the programme as part of the larger vision of building a healthy, disciplined and developed India.
Encouraging the young athletes, the Vice-Chancellor said opportunities must be recognised and seized through determination, self-confidence and the right attitude. Even a single medal won by a participant could bring immense pride to the athlete’s parents, teachers, institution, State and country, he observed.
Prof. Hemakumar assured the athletes that Manipur University would extend all possible institutional support through its Department of Sports. He also appreciated the NSS Cell, Manipur University, and MY Bharat, Imphal West District, for jointly bringing young students and sportspersons to the University for the dialogue.
Shri Naorem Praveen Singh, IAS, Secretary, Department of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of Manipur, attended the programme as a special invitee. His participation underlined the importance of close coordination among the State Government, educational institutions, sports bodies and athletes in strengthening Manipur’s sporting ecosystem.
The interactive session was moderated by Dr. Mayengbam Veto Singh, Director, Department of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of Manipur; Shri Dhandapani C., Regional Director In-charge, Sports Authority of India, Takyel, Imphal; Laishram Samritya Singh, Assistant Director (Khelo India), SAI. Takyel, Imphal, and Dr. Ch. Pradeep Singh, Assistant Director of Sports, Manipur University.
During the interaction, Dr. Mayengbam Veto Singh highlighted the need to connect talented young sportspersons with the schemes, training opportunities and institutional support available through the State and Central governments. He stressed the importance of sustained coordination among athletes, coaches, sports associations, educational institutions and government agencies for the effective development of sports in Manipur.
He encouraged young athletes to openly communicate the difficulties they face in training, competition, equipment, nutrition and access to facilities. Such interactions, he observed, would help sports administrators understand the athletes’ needs and improve the delivery of existing programmes at the grassroots.
Presenting the major features of the proposed Khelo India 3.0 Scheme for 2026–2031, Shri Dhandapani C. said the revised programme seeks to strengthen the entire sporting ecosystem, including State Governments, educational institutions, sports federations, private academies, athletes, coaches and support personnel.
He highlighted proposals for expanding sports infrastructure, modernising existing facilities, establishing feeder schools, upgrading coaches and building an integrated pathway from the grassroots to the podium. He said one of the proposed Khelo India Utkrisht Vidyalaya centres for the Northeast could come to Manipur, presenting an important opportunity for the State.
Shri Dhandapani also informed the gathering that the revised framework proposes to expand the monthly out-of-pocket allowance of around Rs 10,000 from approximately 3,000 Khelo India athletes to nearly 30,000 established and emerging athletes. The assistance would help eligible sportspersons meet expenses relating to equipment, nutrition, boarding, lodging and participation in competitions.
Dr. Ch. Pradeep Singh, Assistant Director of Sports, Manipur University, informed the participants that an important change had been introduced in the registration process for the 2026–27 academic session. Players wishing to participate in tournaments and selection trials under the Association of Indian Universities would now be required to register individually on the AIU portal and obtain an AIU identity card following verification by the University.
He urged players and affiliated colleges to complete the registration process well in advance so that no deserving athlete loses an opportunity because of incomplete documentation. He added that Manipur University is expected to commence its inter-college tournaments and selection trials from September 10, with the detailed schedule to be announced separately.
Padma Shri and Arjuna Award recipient Oinam Bembem Devi, former captain of the Indian women’s national football team, shared her experiences and encouraged young sportspersons to remain focused on their chosen disciplines.
She cautioned young athletes against allowing social-media popularity to distract them from training and performance. While technology and social media could be used positively, public recognition should follow sporting achievement and should never become a substitute for it, she said.
Recalling the hardships faced by athletes of her generation, Bembem Devi spoke about long journeys by road and train, limited facilities and the sacrifices required to compete at the highest level. She urged young players to respect their coaches, maintain discipline, take care of their fitness and nutrition, remain humble and allow their performance to establish their identity.
A special felicitation was also held to honour the distinguished sports icons attending the programme. The dignitaries felicitated Oinam Bembem Devi, Padma Shri and Arjuna Award recipient and former captain of the Indian women’s national football team; Chinglensana Singh Kangujam, Arjuna Awardee and international hockey player; Thingbaijam Sonia Chanu, international weightlifter and silver medallist at the 2010 Commonwealth Games; Likmabam Sushila Devi, international judoka and Olympian; and Okram Boby Singh, gold medallist at the 2011 World Thang-Ta Championship.
Promising youth sports icons were also felicitated and encouraged during the programme. They included Sorokhaibam Melody Devi, national-level archer; M. Sanjana Chanu, national-level footballer; L. Lamnganba, national-level boxer; L. Wilson Singh, national-level weightlifter; and Victoria Huirem, a promising cyclist. Their achievements and potential were recognised as representing the future of Manipur and Indian sports.
Earlier, Prof. Laishram Santosh Singh, Programme Coordinator, NSS Cell, Manipur University, delivered the welcome address. He said the programme sought to mobilise and empower young people, promote healthy lifestyles, encourage participation in sports and strengthen the contribution of the youth towards nation-building and Viksit Bharat 2047.
Prof. Santosh welcomed the dignitaries, moderators, sports icons, young athletes, NSS Programme Officers, parents, teachers and media representatives. He said the dialogue provided a meaningful platform for athletes, sports administrators, coaches, educational institutions and policymakers to discuss the difficulties confronting sportspersons and explore improvements in training, infrastructure, schemes and institutional support.
The programme also featured pre-event cultural dance performance by students of Department of Dance and Music, Manipur University; the, the traditional felicitation of dignitaries with Lengyan Phee, candle lighting, a pledge administered by the Chief Guest and an interaction among young participants, accomplished sportspersons and sports administrators.
Among those present were Prof. M. Premjit Singh, Registrar, Manipur University; Dr. Pukhrambam Lilabati Devi, Assistant Professor, Department of Dance and Music; Dr. Takhellambam Deepamanjuri Devi, Programme Officer, NSS Cell; Dr Oinam Shantajit Singh, Asst professor, Manipur College; Laishram Deben Singh, General Secretary, BJP Manipur; Dr. Sakila Nongmeikapam, Public Relations Officer, Manipur University; faculty members, officials, students, athletes, parents and invited guests.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by W. Paulina Monsang, State Director, MY Bharat Manipur, who expressed gratitude to the dignitaries, speakers, sports icons, participating institutions, organisers, volunteers, athletes, parents, teachers and media representatives for contributing to the successful conduct of the programme.
