Baripada/Bhubaneswar: The “Khelo India Dialogue – Khel Ki Baat PM Modi Ke Sath” was organised at Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanja Deo University (MSCB University) in Baripada, providing students an opportunity to connect with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a stronger and healthier sporting India.
Odisha Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra attended the programme along with Mayurbhanj MP Nabacharan Majhi, MSCB University Vice-Chancellor Mahendra Mohanty and Sports Authority of India representatives Dibyaranjan Das and Rashmita Sahu.
The participants joined students in listening to the Prime Minister’s address on the importance of sports and the role of the Khelo India initiative in nurturing sporting talent.
Mahapatra said sports plays an important role in empowering young people by fostering discipline, confidence, determination, teamwork and leadership qualities.
Odisha has a rich sporting culture and immense potential among its youth, he said, adding that initiatives such as Khelo India are creating opportunities for aspiring athletes to identify and develop their talent, access better training and infrastructure and pursue their ambitions at national and international levels.
The minister stressed that sports should not be viewed merely through the prism of medals and victories, but as a means of building a healthy, confident and capable generation.
He said greater participation in sports would enable young people to realise their potential and contribute to the broader objective of nation-building and the vision of a Viksit Bharat.
Addressing the youth, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the role of Khelo India in identifying, nurturing and supporting sporting talent from across the country. He emphasised the need to provide young athletes with opportunities, quality training, infrastructure, encouragement and institutional support to help them achieve their aspirations.
The Prime Minister also underlined that sports goes beyond medals and records, as it instils discipline, perseverance, teamwork and self-belief and contributes to personal growth and national progress.
The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation by students, who listened to the Prime Minister’s address and drew inspiration from his vision for the future of Indian sports.
The event also highlighted the aspirations of Odisha’s youth and their growing enthusiasm to participate in the country’s sporting journey. The Khelo India initiative has sought to strengthen the sporting ecosystem by promoting grassroots participation and creating opportunities for talented athletes from diverse regions and backgrounds.
The Baripada programme concluded with a message that empowering youth through sports is an investment in the country’s future and encouraged students to embrace sports, pursue their ambitions and contribute to the building of a healthier, stronger and more confident India.
