Mandaviya Calls for School-Based System to Identify Sporting Talent Early

Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya has emphasised the need for a structured school-level system to identify sporting talent early, highlighting the critical role of Physical Education Teachers (PETs) in shaping India's future athletes.

The remarks were made during the General Body Meeting of the Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education (LNIPE), Gwalior, held on 11 March 2026 at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Headquarters at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi.

Key Discussions on Sports Development and Institutional Growth

The meeting, chaired by the Union Sports Minister, focused on several agenda items related to strengthening physical education, promoting sports participation, and enhancing the institutional development of LNIPE.

Senior officials, experts from the sports and physical education sector, and representatives from LNIPE participated in discussions aimed at strengthening India's sports ecosystem.

PETs Key to Early Talent Identification

Addressing the members, Dr. Mandaviya stressed that Physical Education Teachers in schools and educational institutions play a pivotal role in identifying potential athletes at an early stage.

He suggested developing a structured national mechanism that would enable PETs to systematically assess students':

• Physical abilities

• Sporting skills

• Interest and aptitude for different sports

According to the Minister, such a system would help identify talented young athletes early and guide them toward specialised coaching and training through sports academies and institutions.

Building Elite Athletes Through Scientific Training

Dr. Mandaviya emphasised that identifying talent is only the first step. Young athletes must also receive scientific training and professional support to reach their full potential.

He highlighted the importance of providing promising sportspersons with:

• Professional coaching

• Sports science support

• Structured training programmes

• Competitive exposure

These measures, he said, would enable talented athletes to develop into elite sportspersons capable of representing India at national and international competitions.

Strengthening Sports Science and Research

The Minister also urged LNIPE to expand its role as a leading academic institution in sports education by strengthening programmes in:

• Sports science research

• Coaching education

• Physical education training

• Fitness and performance studies

He encouraged the institute to expand training workshops, academic outreach and collaborations with schools, universities and sports organisations across India.

Such initiatives, he noted, would help develop trained professionals who can contribute effectively to the country's sports development.

Promoting Fitness Culture Among Youth

Dr. Mandaviya also highlighted the importance of fostering physical literacy, fitness culture and regular sports participation among young people.

Encouraging wider youth participation in sports would not only build a larger talent pool for competitive sports, but also contribute to a healthier and more active society, he said.

Senior Officials Attend Meeting

The meeting was attended by Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Nikhil Khadse, Secretary (Sports), senior officials of the Ministry, representatives of LNIPE, and several eminent personalities from the sports and physical education sector.

The discussions provided an important platform for shaping future policies and initiatives aimed at strengthening physical education and sports development in India.