Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya: The Silent but Effective Pedaler of Modi’s Powerful Government
Author – Ar. Siddhant Sharma – Raipur, Chhattisgarh
In the past 10 years, the Modi government has made extensive changes in areas like sanitation, digital inclusion, and renewable energy through large-scale citizen engagement initiatives. Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya is now leading an effort to bring a similar approach to Indian sports! Even while Mansukh Mandaviya would rather have his work speak for itself, in his role as Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, he has subtly introduced changes that have the potential to impact Indian sports in essential ways, including socially and environmentally. He has linked sports, health, and youth development!
Upon its launch on July 1, 2025, Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 had a crystal clear vision: “Sports for Nation Building – Harness the Power of Sports for Nation’s Holistic Development.” This is an all-inclusive plan, with an increase of over 131% from FY 2014-15 to a record ₹3,794 crore for FY 2025-26! The concept extends from grassroots outreach and inclusive access to elite coaching and sports science assistance.
Mandaviya’s worldview encompasses more than just policy. During his address at the 32nd edition of Sundays on Cycle at Banaras Hindu University, he expressed that the idea has evolved into a self-sustaining movement. In support of this initiative, over 3,000 individuals participated in a bicycle ride across the campus, promoting anti-drug messages while engaging in physical exercise. This event, which took place in over 6,000 venues, integrates health and wellness with youth engagement and advocacy for public health.
At the same time, his plan places a strong emphasis on structural transformation within the government. This summer, Parliament received the National Sports Governance Bill, 2025, which advocates for athletes to have a say in federations, establishes executive committees, and establishes a National Sports Tribunal to address disputes fairly and efficiently.
Mandaviya highlights that this legislation ensures that sports federations are accountable, athletes have a voice, and decisions are made in the best interest of the sport, rather than politics.
National contests are a great way to introduce young Indians to sports culture, which complements government initiatives and community service. From May 4-15, 2025, more than 10,000 participants competed in 28 different sports at the Khelo India Youth Games held in Bihar. Bihar set a new best by placing earlier rankings, while Maharashtra continued to dominate with 158 medals.
With an unprecedented scope for the state, the Minister of State for Sports, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, has expressed delight at the announcement that Rajasthan will host the Khelo India University Games in November 2025. This event will bring together over 6,000 athletes from 25 disciplines.
Meanwhile, Mandaviya has been offering this program for a long time! Athletes who have competed at the state, national, or international levels and are between the ages of 20 and 50 can participate in the RESET Programme. This programme provides them with opportunities to acquire new skills and secure paid internships.
The initiatives are built around a purposeful systemic approach: they seek out areas where sports infrastructure and governance are lacking, create solutions that are both inclusive and scalable, and then incorporate them into a broader plan for national transformation.
Mandaviya adds a practical cultural element to structural transformation. Fitness campaigns have drawn entire schools, padyatras like “Maati Ke Veer” have rallied young people around civic issues, and tournaments have served as venues to combat addiction while also fostering a citizen-attitude.
The interconnectedness of this whole ecosystem is already extraordinary. Policies like Khelo Bharat Niti lay the foundation; equity is ensured by governance reform; culture is built through public involvement campaigns; and youth-centric events create routes to aspiration.
Mandaviya’s approach is characterized by its subtlety. There’s no attempt to grab attention. Instead, he focuses on effective cycles, campaigns, and policy rollouts, avoiding staged drama.
One official remarked, “He desires a system that doesn’t require a face; he’s not interested in being the face.”
Mandaviya is shaping India into its unique kind of athlete—steady, robust, and committed to the long haul. If athletics serve as a window into a nation’s well-being, self-control, and optimism, then Mandaviya’s efforts are not driven by short-term acclaim but by a desire for lasting influence.
