Argus News - Dharmendra Pradhan Echoes PM Modi’s Olympics 2036 Vision At Sambalpur Sansad Khel Mahotsav

Sambalpur, Nov 24: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Monday attended the closing ceremony of Sansad Khel Mahotsav 2025 at Veer Surendra Sai Stadium in Sambalpur.

In his address, Pradhan emphasized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of nurturing grassroots talent to achieve India’s Olympic success in 2036. He also praised local athletes for their dedication and highlighted the importance of sports in building a healthier, stronger, and more confident nation.

ଖେଳ ରାଷ୍ଟ୍ର ନିର୍ମାଣ ଏବଂ ଯୁବ ବିକାଶର ଏକ ଗୁରୁତ୍ୱପୂର୍ଣ୍ଣ ଅଙ୍ଗ ।

ସମ୍ବଲପୁର ସଂସଦୀୟ କ୍ଷେତ୍ରର ସାଂସଦ ଖେଳ ମହୋତ୍ସବ - ୨୦୨୫ ଉଦଯାପନୀ ସମାରୋହ, ଲାଇଭ୍ #SansadKhelMahotsav #Sambalpur #FitIndia #KheloIndia https://t.co/2IFAMlKGdE

— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) November 24, 2025

Grassroots to National Stage

Minister Pradhan described the Mahotsav as a unique initiative to identify and promote young athletes from local communities. He stressed that sports must be treated as a priority, not merely entertainment, and congratulated all participants while awarding outstanding performers.

Participation and Events

The Mahotsav recorded an impressive 53,619 registrations from Sambalpur Lok Sabha constituency, including 27,455 boys and 26,159 girls. Held across blocks from November 7 to November 24, the 18-day festival culminated in Sambalpur. Competitions were organized in junior (14–17 years) and senior (18–23 years) categories, featuring athletics, football, swimming, kabaddi, kho-kho, discus throw, and shot put.

Preparing for Olympics 2036

Pradhan underlined India’s preparations for hosting the 2036 Olympics, noting that building stadiums alone is insufficient-- developing athletes is crucial. He also highlighted Prime Minister Modi’s call to promote sports and India’s readiness for the 2036 Olympics.

The Minister said such grassroots competitions ignite sporting spirit among youth and strengthen India’s vision of becoming a global sporting powerhouse.

Also Read: Dharmendra Pradhan Hails Harekrushna Mahatab on 126th Birth Anniversary, Calls Him a Beacon of Odia Pride and Progress

Local Pride and Future Plans

Calling Sambalpur “a city of sports,” Pradhan lauded athletes for showcasing their skills and bringing pride to the region. “Accepting every aspect in the spirit of sportsmanship and celebrating it as a festival is the cultural character of Sambalpur,” he said.

The Minister said that various stadiums in Sambalpur district would be upgraded and sports infrastructure strengthened to support future talents.

Pradhan also expressed his gratitude to all the athletes, volunteers, and organizing committee members of the Sambalpur Lok Sabha constituency for the successful organization of this sports festival.

Dignitaries Present

Odisha Sports and Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, Panchayati Raj and Rural Development Minister Ravi Narayan Naik, legislators Jay Narayan Mishra, Agasti Behera, Pratap Pradhan, and senior district officials were, among others, present on the occasion.