Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Thursday, 12 November 2026, declared that Shivpuri in Madhya Pradesh was fast emerging as a hub for sporting talent, expressing confidence that the town would one day produce Olympic medal-winners for India. His remarks came during the inauguration of the 70th National School Games Under-17 Boys Athletics Championship at the Shrimant Madhavrao Scindia Sports Complex in Shivpuri — the first time the championship has been held in the city.

Championship at a Glance

A total of 765 players and 120 officials representing 38 states and regions are taking part in the national-level competition. Scindia, who also holds charge as Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, simultaneously inaugurated an Under-18 inter-district cricket tournament and joined young participants on the field, encouraging them to pursue sport as a profession.

'The players have not come here merely to win medals, but to give wings to their dreams and represent their states and the country,' Scindia said at the event.

Scindia's Olympic Dream for Shivpuri

Scindia articulated an ambitious vision for the district. 'Shivpuri's sporting talent should aspire to reach the Olympics. My dream is that a player from this land wins an Olympic gold medal and brings glory to the country,' he said. He pointed to the growing infrastructure as a foundation for that ambition, citing the Shrimant Madhavrao Scindia Sports Complex, Veer Savarkar Stadium, Vijaypur Stadium, and an indoor sports hall as evidence of steady investment in grassroots facilities.

Women's Cricket Academy and Emerging Talent

Scindia highlighted the Madhya Pradesh State Women's Cricket Academy in Shivpuri, describing it as the country's first government-run women's cricket academy — a distinction he said positioned the city uniquely on the national sports map. He also congratulated Dakshata Yadav and Lavanya Yadav, daughters of local cricketer Kapil Yadav, on their selection in the Madhya Pradesh Under-17 cricket team, citing their achievement as proof of the region's untapped talent pool.

Khelo India and the Wider Ecosystem

The minister credited the Khelo India programme, launched under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with helping identify young talent, upgrade training facilities, and broaden competitive opportunities across the country. He noted that India's recent performances at the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, and Para Asian Games reflected a maturing sporting ecosystem. The Shrimant Madhavrao Scindia Sports Complex, named after Scindia's late father, was envisioned from the outset as a centre for nurturing talent at both national and international levels.

With the national championship now on Shivpuri's calendar for the first time, all eyes will be on whether the city can convert this moment of visibility into lasting athletic infrastructure and results on the global stage.