Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday emphasized the need for enhanced public-private collaboration to strengthen India’s sports economy and elevate the country’s presence on the global stage.
Focus on Polo and Sports Heritage
Addressing the final match of the Aditya Birla Memorial Polo Cup in New Delhi, Singh highlighted polo as a “heritage sport” of India with deep-rooted traditions spanning thousands of years. He credited the Indian Army for nurturing talented polo players and preserving the sport’s rich legacy.
Singh said, “Working in collaboration with the Indian Polo Association, the Indian Army has played a pivotal role in keeping this legacy vibrant and relevant. I am confident that, working together, we will foster a positive culture for polo as well as other sports in India. This will enable our young talent to come to the fore and bring glory to the nation.”
Public-Private Partnership Key to Growth
The minister stressed that cooperation between the government, private sector, and social groups is essential to give India a strong global identity in sports. He called for public-private partnerships to provide new opportunities, resources, and respect to athletes, helping India carve a niche internationally.
Government Initiatives Supporting Athletes
Singh highlighted key initiatives like Khelo India, Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), the National Sports Governance Act, and Khelo Bharat Policy, noting that these programs aim to:
- Develop world-class sports infrastructure
- Offer youth platforms to excel
- Ensure transparency and accountability in sports organizations
He added that these initiatives collectively provide a new direction to India’s sports economy while encouraging young athletes to achieve excellence.