Bhubaneswar: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday called for greater collaboration between the government and private sector to strengthen India’s sports ecosystem and enhance the country’s presence on the global sporting stage.
Addressing a gathering during the Aditya Birla Memorial Polo Cup Final in New Delhi on March 15, the minister said the government is working through a series of initiatives to foster a strong sports culture across the country.
“The Government, through a series of initiatives, is fostering a sports culture where athletes and youth have access to opportunities, resources and respect,” Singh said, stressing that enhanced public-private partnerships could give a new direction to India’s sports economy.
Polo as a Heritage Sport
The Defence Minister highlighted the deep historical roots of polo in India and suggested that the sport deserves recognition as a ‘Heritage Sport’ of the country. He noted that the Indian Army has played a major role in nurturing polo talent and preserving the legacy of the sport.
According to Singh, the Army, working in collaboration with the Indian Polo Association, has been instrumental in keeping the tradition of polo alive while encouraging new players to enter the sport.
“I am confident that through collective efforts, we will foster a positive culture for polo as well as other sports in India. This will enable our young talent to come forward and bring glory to the nation,” he said.
Government Initiatives for Sports Development
The minister also highlighted several government programmes designed to support athletes and improve sports infrastructure across the country. Initiatives such as Khelo India and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) have created new opportunities for young athletes to train and compete at higher levels.
He further noted that upcoming policy measures like the National Sports Governance Act and the Khelo Bharat Policy are expected to improve transparency and accountability in sports organisations while offering greater support to talented athletes.
Role of Private Sector
Singh emphasised that private sector participation could bring professional management, long-term vision and sustainable financial support to the sports sector. Similar to the transformation seen in industries such as technology, education and manufacturing, private investment could help athletes gain access to world-class training facilities, better coaching and global competition exposure.
He expressed confidence that with joint efforts from the government, industry stakeholders and sports organisations, India will soon establish a stronger global identity in sports, including traditional disciplines like polo.
-OdishaAge
