Collaboration Between Education and Sports Ministries Essential for India's Sporting Future: Bhaichung Bhutia
Click to start listening
New Delhi, Jan 11 (NationPress) Former Indian football captain Bhaichung Bhutia commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who attended the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue and National Youth Festival, for the significant support and focus he has extended towards sports. The legendary footballer emphasizes the necessity of a collaborative approach between the Sports Ministry and the Education Ministry to foster India's growth as a prominent sporting nation.
“This is a remarkable initiative spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Sports Ministry, and I am optimistic that it marks the beginning of India’s journey to becoming a sporting nation. I propose that the Ministry of Sports and the Ministry of Education must collaborate closely for India to reach its potential in sports.
“Our current education policy requires transformation to incorporate a more sports-friendly curriculum. At present, our education system prioritizes academics, pressuring children to pursue careers as engineers, doctors, or bureaucrats. We need to implement necessary changes to provide equal opportunities in sports, enabling talented youngsters to emerge as future sporting icons,” Bhaichung expressed in an interview with IANS.
This enlightening discussion took place at Bharat Mandapam and attracted nearly 3,000 participants from diverse fields across the nation, creating a truly innovative atmosphere.
Following his retirement, Bhutia ventured into politics, initially joining the ruling TMC in West Bengal, where he was nominated as a candidate for the Darjeeling Lok Sabha seat. He later became the vice-president of the Sikkim Democratic Front. After experiencing defeat in the 2024 assembly elections in Sikkim, marking his sixth electoral setback, he chose to step back from politics.
Bhutia conveyed that the principles and lessons learned through sport are integral to his life, and he believes athletes possess the skills necessary for a successful career in various fields.
“The achievements of any sportsperson stem from sincerity, honesty, hard work, and dedication. There are no shortcuts to success in this domain. We must instill this discipline in all aspects of life, including politics, to enable our country to thrive,” he concluded.
