A 50 member Nepalese Youth Delegation Cconcluded its Visit to India

A 50 member Nepalese youth delegation today concluded its visit to India. Our ministry hosted a cultural programme and banquet in the honour of the Nepalese Youth Delegation lead by Nepalese Minister of Youth and Sports Shri Purushottam Poudel. This maiden visit of the youth delegation was part of Youth Exchange programme between India and Nepal. During the meeting, Hon’ble Minister of State (I/C) expressed that India and Nepal are close neighbour’s and we share a unique relationship of friendship and cooperation, characterized by open borders and deep-rooted people-to-people contacts. Mr. Poudel expressed his desire for exchange of sports persons, particularly from cricket. He said India can provide training to Nepalese cricketers and also sought support in development of cricket facilities in Nepal. Hon’ble Minister of State (I/C) assured him of every possible support from Government of India in this regard.

Signing of Project Document for "Strengthening of NYKS and NSS" between UNDP/UNV and Ministry of Youth Affairs

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports is shocked and deeply saddened at the gross apathy and negligence shown by the organisers of the 15th National Para-Athletic championship being held at Ghaziabad from 20 to 22 March 2015 wherein the participating athletes have been deprived of even the minimum facilities expected at a national sports event.

The Government is committed to inclusive sports development in the country and accords equal priority to both able-bodied and disabled-sport development in the country. The Government provides liberal assistance to all National Sports Federations, including the Indian Paralympic Committee in organising national camps for the selection and preparation of national athletes for participation in major international events. The support provided includes modern infrastructure and coaching facilities, boarding and lodging, food supplements, sports science support, international exposure, etc.

Organising national championships at regular intervals is a core function and responsibility of each and every National Sports Federation, and they are expected to conduct the event in a professional manner, maintaining at least the minimum standards expected of an event being held at the national level. The Government only supplements these efforts with some financial assistance, which is identical for all National Sports Federations. The organisers are expected to mobilise support from different sources to meet the budget.

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports is looking into the particular incident that has occurred at Ghaziabad and, if required, will not hesitate in issuing a comprehensive advisory or guidelines stipulating minimum standards that need to be maintained in terms of boarding, lodging and other facilities to be made available to athletes participating in a national championships so that such incidents do not repeat in future.

Launching of two programmes on Good Governance Day by Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports on 25th December 2014 in Guwahati.

25^th December, 2014 was observed as Good Governance Day. The Ministry organized several programmes in different parts of the country to mark the occasion.  The Hon’ble Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports (Independent Charge) launched two programmes viz. Neighbourhood Youth Parliament and Youth for Development on the Good Governance Day at Tinsukia, Assam.  Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and run for Good Governance were also organized on the occasion.

Good Governance Day observed by Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports on 25th December 2014 at Shastri Bhawan.

To mark 25^th December, 2014 as Good Governance Day, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports organized  a function at the premises of Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi between 9.00 to 11.00 A.M.  The officers and other staff of the Ministry voluntarily participated in the event even though it was a Gazetted Holiday.  Important speeches made by Shri Atal Bihari Vajpai, former Prime Minister of India, were screened which were very much appreciated by all present.  Shri Rajeev Gupta, Secretary (Youth Affairs) and Shri Lalit Kumar Gupta, Joint Secretary (Youth Affairs) made inspiring speeches to motivate the staff to work wholeheartedly towards Good Governance.  This was followed up by cleanliness drive in the Shastri Bhawan campus.

Sporty Ministry felicitates Commonwealth Games, Glasgow Medallists

On 8th August 2014, function was organised at Vigayan Bhawan, New Delhi to felicitate Indian medals winners in the recently-concluded Commonwealth Games 2014, Hon’ble Minister for Skill Development, Entrepreneurship, Youth Affairs and Sports Shri. Sarbananda Sonowal and Bharat Ratna Sachin Tendulkar gave away the memento and the prize-money of Rs 20 lakh (for gold winners), Rs 10 lakh (for silver winners) and Rs 6 lakh (for bronze winners) to the outstanding winners in Commonwealth Games 2014.

India had won 64 medals (15 Gold, 30 Silver, 19Bronze) in the July 23 to August 3 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the Ministry felicitated them by presenting a memento and prize money cheque. All the participants, coaches, trainers and support staff were also called specially from various parts of the country to attend the dazzling celebrations at Vigayan Bhawan, New Delhi. Sports persons from various schools were invited to meet and interact with their mentors and heroes.

In his speech, Hon’ble Minister for Skill Development, Entrepreneurship, Youth Affairs and Sports Shri. Sarbananda Sonowal had said that The Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2014 provided a stiff competition to the Indian athletes. In spite of this, the Indian contingent came up with flying colours. He also praised Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi for allocating more funds for sports in the general budget 2014.

In comparison to performance of Indian athletes, Hon’ble Minister has also said that "We won 101 medals by 407 athletes in 2010 while 64 medals were won by 222 athletes in Glasgow. In 2010 Delhi Games, one medal was won for every 4.02 athletes while this time in Glasgow, one medal was won for every 3.46 athletes. This only proves that India has made phenomenal progress over the past few years." These glorious achievements have come at a time when Shri Narendra Modi has taken over as the Prime Minister of our country. Being an avid sports lover, he has taken the initiative to almost double the sports budget

                                  ISSUE OF INDIAN PLAYERS WEARING TURBAN

“We are aware that some players of the Indian basketball team were not allowed to play with turbans in the Asia Cup held in China recently. We are shocked and outraged. We have spoken to Basketball Federation of India and sought a detailed report from them.

We have also asked International Olympic Committee (IOC) to issue necessary guidelines/instructions to international Olympic Committee (IOC) to issue necessary guidelines/instructions to international sports federations so that such incidents do not take place again.

Our Government respects all religions and will do everything to ensure their sentiments do not get hurt.

Wearing a turban does not affect fair play and has not been objected to in international sports championships. Therefore, the latest incident has surprised and shocked us.”