Students draw inspiration from PM Modi’s vision of a stronger, healthier and sporting India

 

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BARIPADA/BHUBANESWAR, AUGUST 28, 2026

 The sporting aspirations of Odisha’s youth received an inspiring boost as Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanja Deo University (MSCB University), Takatpur, Baripada, hosted the “Khelo India Dialogue – Khel Ki Baat PM Modi Ke Sath”, bringing students closer to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of transforming India into a stronger, healthier and more confident sporting nation.

The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, who listened attentively to the inspiring address of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the transformative power of sports and its vital role in youth empowerment and nation-building.

Minister for Housing & Urban Development Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra attended the programme along with Mayurbhanj MP Nabacharan Majhi, MSCB University Vice-Chancellor Mahendra Mohanty, and Dibyaranjan Das and Rashmita Sahu from the Sports Authority of India. Their presence added significance to the event, which focused on encouraging young people to embrace sports and pursue their aspirations with confidence and determination.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mahapatra underlined the pivotal role of sports in shaping the character and future of the younger generation. He said sporting activities cultivate discipline, confidence, determination, teamwork and leadership, qualities that are essential not only for sporting success but also for building responsible citizens.

Highlighting Odisha’s rich sporting tradition, the Minister said the State possesses tremendous sporting talent and immense potential among its youth. Initiatives such as Khelo India are opening new avenues for aspiring athletes by helping identify and nurture talent, improving access to training and infrastructure, and enabling promising sportspersons to pursue their dreams at national and international levels.

Dr. Mahapatra stressed that the true value of sports cannot be measured merely in medals and records. According to him, greater participation in sports is an investment in a healthy, confident and capable generation, enabling young people to discover their potential and contribute meaningfully to the larger goal of nation-building and the vision of Viksit Bharat.

In his address to the youth, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the emergence of Khelo India as a powerful national platform for identifying, nurturing and supporting sporting talent from every corner of the country. He emphasised the need to provide young athletes with quality training, modern infrastructure, sustained encouragement and institutional support so that they can turn their sporting dreams into reality.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the wider significance of sports in personal and national development. Beyond medals and records, sports instil perseverance, discipline, teamwork and self-belief, helping young people develop the confidence and resilience required to overcome challenges and achieve their goals.

The enthusiastic response of the students at MSCB University reflected the growing aspirations of Odisha’s youth and their keen interest in becoming part of India’s expanding sporting journey. Their attentive participation demonstrated that the message of sports-led empowerment is resonating strongly with the younger generation.

The Khelo India initiative has played a significant role in strengthening India’s sporting ecosystem by promoting participation at the grassroots level and creating opportunities for talented athletes from diverse regions and backgrounds. The initiative has also helped reinforce the idea that sporting excellence can emerge from every community when talent receives the right platform, training and support.

The Baripada programme ultimately conveyed a powerful message: empowering young people through sports is an investment in the future of the nation. With access to opportunities, guidance, infrastructure and encouragement, India’s youth can become a driving force behind a healthier, stronger, more disciplined and confident India.

The Khelo India Dialogue at MSCB University thus became more than a programme — it was a celebration of the energy, ambition and sporting dreams of Odisha’s youth, inspiring them to dream big, embrace sports and contribute to the nation’s journey towards #ViksitBharat.