Workshop : Youth20 Engagement group
- 29 April 2023 :: National Sports University, Manipur -

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Workshop : Youth20 Engagement group at National Sports University, Manipur

The National Sports University, Manipur, hosted a workshop on the 29th April 2023 at the NSU Multipurpose hall as one of the activities of the Youth20 Engagement group which is part of India's Presidency of G20. The workshop was organized on the topic "Strengthening Sports Personnel Ecosystem across the Country." Shri RC Mishra IAS (Retd.), Hon'ble Vice Chancellor of National Sports University, presided as the Chief Guest of the programme.

Shri. T. Phulen Meitei, Director YAS, Manipur, Dr. Konthoujam Kosana Meitei, Retd. Senior SAI Athletic Coach and Dr. Laishram Thambal Singh. Associate Professor, Dept. of PESS, Manipur University were invited as speakers in the workshop. Ms. Nuzhat Gul, Secretary, Sports Council, Jammu& Kashmir also joined online as one of the speakers for the programme.

Eminent sports personalities namely, Ms. Th. Pashotleitna, an International player (Athletics), Ms T. Sheetal Rani Sharma, Former International Player & Coach of the Indian Women I-Iandball Team, and Mr Naorem Brajamani, an International player (Athletics), also graced the programme with their presence.

The hon'ble Vice Chancellor addressed the gathering and highlighted the topic's relevance and importance in creating a complete and healthy ecosystem in the country. He opined that various dimensions like nutrition & fitness, proper infrastructure, sports science, competitive spirit, etc., complete the ecosystem. The importance of revenue generation, like apparel and product designing and manufacturing, was also emphasized in his address. He also congratulated NSU for being entrusted as one of the organizations with the task of organizing the workshop.

Director of YAS, Manipur Shri. T. Phulen Meitei spoke on developing a holistic ecosystem for players, developing low-cost infrastructure, scouting young talents even from rural areas, and regular coaching centers. He also emphasized including a grievance cell dedicated to the players as part of the sporting ecosystem. Dr. L. Thambal Meitei also highlighted sports infrastructure and facilities, sports tourism, sports science, and the importance of balancing the ecosystem.

Dr. K. Kosana Meitei also reiterated the development of modern and advanced facilities, talent identification, and inclusion of various allied fields like sports sociology, sports management, sports psychology, sports nutrition, etc. Ms. Nuzhat Gul, in her talk, spoke about the sports ecosystem in the context of her native state J&K.

The boom in infrastructure over the last few years led to more youth involvement in sports. With many new projects aimed at involvement and promoting sports, the participation of youths has increased exponentially. The programme was followed by a brainstorming and question-answer session lasting about one and a half hours. Various questions were asked and taken by the experts and the sportspersons.

Suggestions and views were also taken from the audience. Interjections were made on the importance of creating the ecosystem while maintaining the balance of the environment. The importance of building facilities to practice at night is also highlighted.

The key theme of the Youth20 group is "I-Iealth, Well-being, and Sports: An Agenda for Youth. drive youth on the way forward and to collate their ideas, the Department of Sports, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports is organizing 24 brainstorming sessions starting from February till June in different parts of the country to facilitate organizing Youth20 engagement group brainstorming workshops pan-India on the theme "Building a healthy ecosystem for Sports, pan-India.

Registrar, NSU
National Sports University,
Khuman Lampak Sports Complex
Imphal, Manipur