The National Youth Sports Development Program has reached a milestone of serving 10 million children across the country, providing free sports training, equipment, and nutrition support to promote healthy lifestyles and identify future athletic talent.
The program operates in 50,000 schools and community centers, offering training in 20 different sports with qualified coaches and modern equipment. Special emphasis is placed on reaching underserved communities and promoting gender equality in sports participation.
Youth Development Minister Neha Agarwal announced, 'Sports are not just about competition – they teach life skills, promote health, and build character. This program is investing in our children's physical and mental well-being while discovering the champions of tomorrow.'
The initiative has identified 50,000 talented young athletes who have been enrolled in advanced training programs. Several participants have already achieved success at national junior championships, validating the program's talent identification methods.
Health assessments show significant improvements in fitness levels, with childhood obesity rates declining by 15% in participating communities. Academic performance has also improved, with studies showing positive correlations between sports participation and educational outcomes.
The program has created employment for 25,000 coaches and support staff, many of whom are former athletes contributing to the next generation's development. International sports organizations have recognized the initiative as a model for youth development.