“Every Child Should Have the Opportunity to Play and Every Talent Should Get the Opportunity to Excel”: G. Kishan Reddy
More than 1,500 educational institutions across the country are participating in the nationwide Khelo India Dialogue, reflecting the scale and reach of the initiative.
HYDERABAD, AUGUST 27, 2026: In the lead-up to National Sports Day, the English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU), Hyderabad, hosted the Khelo India Samvaad – Khel ki Baat PM ke Saath, featuring the Union Minister for Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, as the Chief Guest. The programme celebrated the spirit of sportsmanship, youth empowerment, and the vision of a healthy and progressive India.
Addressing students, faculty, staff, and media personnel, Shri G. Kishan Reddy highlighted India’s recent achievements in sports, citing Olympic gold medallists and inspiring personalities such as Neeraj Chopra. He noted that the budget allocation for sports has increased considerably, and the Khelo India initiative is preparing athletes for the Commonwealth Games and the Olympics. Emphasizing discipline, confidence, teamwork, and fair play as key qualities of sports, he remarked that these values will help India progress towards becoming a developed nation. He concluded his address with the message: “Fit India, Healthy India, Viksit Bharat.”
The Minister interacted with faculty, staff, NSS volunteers, and MY Bharat volunteers, and participated in a tree-planting ceremony symbolising growth and sustainability. Along with EFLU Vice-Chancellor Prof. N. Nagaraju, he attended the live telecast of the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s address under the Khelo India initiative at the Indoor Sports Complex. The nationwide programme was organised by ‘Mera Yuva Bharat’ (MY Bharat) under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, with the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, virtually addressing athletes, students, and volunteers across participating centres.
Following the Prime Minister’s address, the Vice-Chancellor honoured Shri G. Kishan Reddy and distinguished Sports Icons for their contributions to youth and sports development. A moderated discussion, led by youth icon Ms. Sreeja Jadhav, featured Sports Icons Ms. Shriyanshi Valishetty and Arjuna Awardee Ms. J. J. Shobha, who emphasised the importance of talent, infrastructure, and international exposure for nurturing sporting excellence.
On this occasion, the University community collectively took the pledge for the Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat campaign, reaffirming its commitment to a drug-free and responsible youth culture. The programme concluded with the Yuva Samvaad, led by EFLU youth icon Prabal Chauhan, where students engaged in meaningful dialogue on leadership, fitness, and the role of sports in nation-building.
The programme witnessed active participation from MY Bharat Portal Director Anwesh, Ms. Shruti Patil (ADG PIB), Ms. Sini Manchala (Registrar), Prof. Shyam Rao Rathod (Proctor), Prof. Sujatha Mukri (Dean, Students’ Welfare), Prof. Srivani (Dean, CPD), and Dr. Rajaram (OSD to VC) and others.
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