Dibrugarh, Dec 25: Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways and Dibrugarh MP Sarbananda Sonowal on Thursday called for developing sports as a full-fledged industry, saying it has the potential to create jobs, generate income and help India capture global markets.
Addressing the closing ceremony of the Sansad Khel Mahotsav at the Chowkidingee playground here, Sonowal said sports must be viewed not merely as competition, but as an economic driver with wide-ranging social benefits. “If sports can be developed as an industry, India will be able to capture the global market. Sports generate employment and increase income while building a healthy and disciplined society,” he said.
The tournament, which began on October 31 across the Dibrugarh Lok Sabha constituency, saw participation from multiple blocks and showcased grassroots sporting talent from the region.
Highlighting policy shifts since 2014, Sonowal said the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has prioritised sports as a tool for national development, unity and social harmony. “New plans and policies have deepened people’s enthusiasm for sports across the country. Sports align the mind, body and soul, and instil a sense of duty and social responsibility,” he said.
Referring to flagship initiatives such as Khelo India and Fit India, the minister said these programmes have helped identify and nurture young talent capable of competing at international platforms, including the Olympics. Over the past 11 years, he added, India has strengthened training systems and upgraded sports infrastructure to create a “vibrant sports ecosystem”.
Sonowal said Dibrugarh is witnessing a steady rise in sports participation and enthusiasm among youth. “If India can showcase its strength to the world through sports, it will significantly contribute to building an Atmanirbhar Bharat,” he said.
He also credited the Prime Minister’s leadership for introducing policies that enable athletes to access world-class training facilities within India and abroad, and praised the Assam government’s Khel Maharan initiative for helping identify hidden sporting talent across the state.
