Bhopal, June 13: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday interacted with young shooters at the Madhya Pradesh Shooting Academy in Bhopal. He was accompanied by Madhya Pradesh’s Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Vishvas Sarang, Lok Sabha MP Alok Sharma, and MLA B.D. Sabnani.

Pradhan described the dialogue with the athletes as energising, noting their discipline, aspirations, and dedication to the sport. He expressed confidence that Madhya Pradesh’s talented shooters will excel on national and international platforms, bringing pride to both the state and the country.

आज मध्यप्रदेश शूटिंग अकादमी, भोपाल में मध्यप्रदेश के खेल एवं युवा कल्याण मंत्री श्री @VishvasSarang जी, भोपाल से लोकसभा सांसद श्री @Alok_SharmaBJP जी, भोपाल दक्षिण-पश्चिम से विधायक श्री @BDSabnani जी के साथ युवा खिलाड़ियों से एक प्रेरणादायक और सुखद संवाद का अवसर मिला। खिलाड़ियों… pic.twitter.com/CKrGYDyyqi

— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) June 13, 2026

During the visit, Pradhan paid heartfelt tribute to renowned shooter and coach Jaspal Rana, acknowledging his immense contribution to Indian sports. He said Rana’s legacy would remain a source of inspiration for generations of athletes.

In a social media post, Pradhan highlighted the role of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in integrating sports with academics under the principle of “padhai bhi, khel bhi” (study as well as play). He pointed to innovations such as the Academic Bank of Credits and APAAR ID, which recognise students’ achievements and skills, bridging education and sports while opening new opportunities for youth.
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Pradhan also emphasised that India’s youth are the nation’s strength, linking their role to preparations for the 2036 Olympics and the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. He expressed optimism that young athletes will continue to contribute to India’s global progress.

“The young athletes of Madhya Pradesh are steadily advancing through their talent, discipline, and tireless hard work. I am fully confident that these shooters will deliver outstanding performances on upcoming national and international platforms and proudly elevate the name of India and Madhya Pradesh,” he said.
Earlier today, Pradhan joined a cleanliness drive at Shri Nageshwar Mahadev Temple in Bhopal, marking 12 years of welfare governance under PM Modi. Inspired by the Prime Minister’s call, he emphasized public participation for a cleaner, healthier, and developed India.