Share your story and shine at JK Monitor!🌟 Welcome to JK Monitor, where every story matters and every achievement is celebrated! We invite you to share the remarkable journey of your life and showcase your accomplishments to the world. Join our exclusive interviews that honor exceptional individuals just like you. - Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses youth across 1,600+ institutes under “Khel Ki Baat, PM Modi Ke Saath”
JAMMU: Mera Yuva (MY) Bharat Jammu & Kashmir, under the aegis of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India, organised Khelo India Samvaad 2026 in association with the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu on the occasion of National Sports Day at the Mandapam Auditorium, IIM Jammu.
The programme brought together distinguished dignitaries, sportspersons, students, youth and stakeholders to celebrate India’s remarkable sporting journey and deliberate upon the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of sports in the country.
The nationwide initiative connected youth from more than 1,600 institutes across the country, providing them an opportunity to participate in a common national platform dedicated to sports, youth empowerment and nation-building. The key highlight of the programme was the virtual address by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, who interacted with and addressed the youth under the theme “Khel Ki Baat, PM Modi Ke Saath.”
IIM Jammu Featured on Prime Minister’s Dashboard
A moment of immense pride for Jammu was the display of the IIM Jammu video interface on the dashboard of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji during the national programme. The recognition provided a significant national platform to IIM Jammu and reflected the successful coordination and organisational efforts of MY Bharat Jammu & Kashmir in conducting the programme in Jammu.
Dignitaries Highlight Importance of Sports and Youth Participation
The programme was graced by Dr. Jitendra Singh Ji, Hon’ble Union Minister of State (Independent Charge); Shri Jugal Kishore Sharma Ji, Hon’ble Member of Parliament; and Shri Yudhvir Sethi Ji, Hon’ble MLA, Jammu East, in the presence of Prof. B. S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu; Prof. (Dr.) Sanjeev Sinha, Director, AIIMS Jammu; and Shri Nitin Hangloo, State Director, MY Bharat Jammu & Kashmir.
The programme was also attended by Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean Faculty and Research; Prof. (Dr.) Brigadier (Retd.) Neeraj Soni, Chairperson Student Affairs; and Shri Brigadier (Retd.) Bhupinder Singh Kang, CAO, IIM Jammu, along with students, youth, sportspersons and other stakeholders.
PM Modi Calls for a Stronger Sporting Culture
In his address, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji highlighted India’s remarkable transformation in the field of sports and emphasised that sporting success goes beyond medals. He underlined that the achievement of an athlete brings pride to the athlete’s family, institution, community and the nation.
Looking towards the Olympics 2036, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of identifying and nurturing sporting talent from an early age and highlighted the need to expand India’s participation across Olympic disciplines. He also emphasised the vast potential in emerging and less-explored sporting disciplines, including opportunities such as surfing.
The Prime Minister further emphasised that building a strong sporting nation requires sustained investment in talent development, infrastructure, technology, governance and training, along with perseverance, discipline and consistent effort. He also highlighted the growing career opportunities associated with sports, including sports analytics, sports psychology, sports medicine and other allied fields.
Youth at the Centre of India’s Sporting Vision
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Jitendra Singh Ji, Hon’ble Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), emphasised the need to build a strong, inclusive and participatory sporting ecosystem through constructive engagement, youth-led dissemination and youth-led decision-making. He highlighted the importance of empowering young people to actively contribute to shaping the future of sports in the country.
He further underscored the significance of grassroots participation, systematic talent development and sustained institutional support in strengthening India’s sporting landscape and called for greater opportunities for youth to contribute their ideas, perspectives and energy towards the broader vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
Shri Jugal Kishore Sharma Ji, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, highlighted the growing importance of sports and fitness in youth development. He emphasised the need to create meaningful opportunities for young people to participate, engage and contribute to India’s sporting ecosystem.
Shri Yudhvir Sethi Ji, Hon’ble MLA, Jammu East, stressed the importance of encouraging youth participation and creating meaningful opportunities for young athletes to pursue their sporting aspirations.
IIM Jammu Reaffirms Commitment to Holistic Youth Development
In his welcome address, Prof. B. S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, emphasised the Institute’s commitment to holistic youth development, stating that excellence extends beyond academics, entrepreneurship and innovation. He highlighted sports and fitness as equally important pillars in developing capable, resilient, disciplined and well-rounded individuals.
Reflecting on India’s growing stature in international sports, he expressed optimism about the country’s prospects at upcoming global sporting events and the collective aspiration to see Indian athletes achieve greater success on the international stage. He also highlighted the transformative power of India’s youth and their pivotal role in shaping the nation’s social, economic and sporting future in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
Chandeep Singh Inspires Youth with His Sporting Journey.
The programme featured an inspiring talk session by Chandeep Singh, para-taekwondo athlete from Jammu & Kashmir and Gold Medallist at the 11th Asian Para Taekwondo Championship 2026.
Sharing his journey of overcoming adversity and achieving international success, Chandeep Singh inspired the young audience with his message of resilience, determination, discipline and perseverance. His story served as a powerful example of how sport can transform lives and provide young people with confidence and purpose.
Yuva Samvaad Provides Platform for Young Voices.
A moderated discussion further explored India’s sporting journey, emerging opportunities and the road ahead. This was followed by an engaging Yuva Samvaad with Dr. Jitendra Singh Ji, during which young participants from IIM Jammu shared their ideas, perspectives and aspirations on key themes related to sports and youth development.
The interactive session reinforced the importance of placing young people at the centre of India’s sporting transformation and providing them with platforms to contribute meaningfully to national development.
MY Bharat Jammu & Kashmir Reinforces Commitment to Youth and Sports
The successful organisation of Khelo India Samvaad 2026 in Jammu reflects the continued commitment of MY Bharat Jammu & Kashmir towards providing young people with meaningful opportunities for participation, dialogue, leadership and engagement in the national development process.
The programme also demonstrated the importance of institutional collaboration between MY Bharat and IIM Jammu in creating impactful platforms for youth. It reinforced the message that a strong sporting nation can be built through grassroots participation, systematic talent development, sustained investment, institutional support and active youth engagement.
The programme concluded with the felicitation of dignitaries and participants, followed by the National Anthem, reaffirming the collective resolve to strengthen India’s sporting ecosystem and empower the next generation of athletes, sports enthusiasts and young leaders.