DIMAPUR, AUG 25 (NPN): Preparations for the nationwide “Khelo India Samvad – Khel Ki Baat PM Ke Saath” scheduled for August 27, were finalised at a press conference held at Pranab College, Dimapur. The briefing was led by District Youth Officer (DYO) Dimapur, K. Manikanta, along with Principal of Pranab College, Dr. Santosh Kumar and National Service Scheme (NSS) Programme Officers from participating colleges.
According to a DIPR report, Manikanta stated that the initiative would provide an opportunity to observe grassroots sports facilities and identify areas requiring improvement. He added that the observations would help prepare a model action plan for strengthening sports infrastructure, with additional capital and external funding expected to be made available from the following year. The broader objective of the programme is to promote sports among youth and contribute towards India’s target of securing 36 Olympic medals at the 2036 Olympics.
In Dimapur, Pranab College, Regional Institute of Management College and Technical College have been selected to participate in the initiative. The event will also feature felicitation of local sports achievers, including medal winners, individuals who secured government employment through sporting achievements and those who attained high ranks at national-level sporting events. A dedicated session on careers in sports will be organised, featuring interactions with local sportspersons and coaches to provide guidance and highlight career prospects in the field.
The programme is being organised in collaboration with the Sports Department and local authorities, with activities aimed at motivating youth and encouraging greater participation in sports. Manikanta also highlighted various youth engagement activities, including registration drives across districts and competitions based on current affairs and other themes, intended to create greater awareness among youth and encourage their participation in national initiatives.
NSS Programme Officer of Pranab College, Ulla Lauren Fernandez, expressed gratitude to the District Administration, State NSS Office and concerned officials for providing the institution an opportunity to participate. She expressed hope that the programme would create greater awareness among youth and encourage their involvement in sports. The coordination meeting brought together NSS leaders responsible for student mobilisation across Dimapur, Chumoukedima and Niuland districts, including Fernandez of Pranab College, Letsol Thakro of Tetso College, Hepitoli Y. Sumi of Platinum College and Khriesalie of Patkai Christian College.
During the meeting, the NSS leadership launched physical posters and digital banners across participating institutions. Students will be encouraged to access the official MY Bharat portal through QR codes installed on campuses and submit their feedback and suggestions towards India’s 2036 Olympic roadmap. The institutions have completed preparations, including arrangements for digital projection facilities and dedicated auditoriums, to host the nationwide live-stream of the programme from 2:00 PM on August 27.
The organisers stated that the initiative would provide a platform for direct interaction with youth while also helping identify grassroots-level infrastructure gaps and develop a roadmap for strengthening sports facilities and nurturing sporting talent.
