Organised by: Department of Physical Education & Sports, Office of the Dean of Students’ Welfare, University of Hyderabad
In Coordination with: MY Bharat
Date: 27 August 2026
Venue: University of Hyderabad
Nodal Officer: Dr. Siddhartha Anandesi, Assistant Director, Department of Physical Education & Sports, Office of the Dean of Students’ Welfare, UoH
1. Introduction
The University of Hyderabad (UoH) organised Khelo India Samvaad – “Khel Ki Baat PM Ke Saath”, along with Yuva Samvad, in coordination with MY Bharat, as part of the National Sports Day 2026 celebrations on 27 August 2026.
The programme was conceived as a platform to bring together students, youth representatives, sportspersons, University officials and youth-development stakeholders to encourage participation in sports, fitness, youth leadership, nation-building and the vision of Viksit Bharat.
The programme followed the approved minute-to-minute schedule, commencing with registration and seating, followed by the national virtual programme and address by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, interaction with sports icons, Yuva Samvad, felicitation, certificate distribution and the Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat pledge.
2. Objectives of the Programme
The major objectives of the programme were:
- To promote sports and physical fitness among university students and youth.
- To provide students an opportunity to interact with accomplished sportspersons and learn from their journeys.
- To create awareness about the development of India’s sports ecosystem and opportunities available to young athletes.
- To encourage youth participation in nation-building and the vision of Viksit Bharat.
- To provide a platform for young people to present their ideas on sports, governance, leadership and social development.
- To create awareness about MY Bharat initiatives and the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue (VBYLD).
- To encourage the youth to work towards a Nasha Mukt Yuva and a healthier society.
- To inspire young athletes and youth to contribute towards India’s preparation for the 2036 Olympic Games.
3. Inaugural and National Virtual Programme
The programme commenced with the arrival, registration and seating of guests, dignitaries, sportspersons and participants. The programme schedule also included screening of the MY Bharat and sports achievement montage, along with the final audio-visual and live-feed connectivity check.
The formal programme began with the welcome and introduction of the dignitaries and sports icons, followed by Vande Mataram. The national virtual programme was subsequently connected live, during which the participants attended the address of the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi Ji. The scheduled national virtual event and Prime Minister’s address were conducted from 10:45 AM to 11:45 AM, with participants remaining attentive throughout the live national feed.
The Hon’ble Prime Minister’s address inspired the youth to actively contribute to nation-building and the vision of Viksit Bharat. The address also emphasised the importance of developing a modern and robust sports ecosystem for the 21st century and preparing India’s young generation for the 2036 Olympic Games.
4. Khelo India Samvaad – Interaction with Sports Icons
A major highlight of the programme was the Khelo India Samvaad, featuring two accomplished young Indian shooters:
- Ms. Esha Singh
- Mr. Dhanush Srikanth
Both sportspersons shared their experiences, sporting journeys, achievements, challenges and perspectives on competitive sport.
The moderated interaction provided students with an opportunity to understand the commitment, discipline, perseverance and determination required to achieve excellence in sports.
As per the programme schedule, the sports-icon interaction covered themes including:
- The sporting journey and transformation of athletes.
- Transformation of Indian sports.
- Sports infrastructure and opportunities.
- Importance of role models.
- Memorable sporting moments.
- India’s transition from participation to winning.
The moderated discussion was scheduled from 11:50 AM to 12:10 PM.
The interaction was moderated by Ms. Bhakthi Deshmukh, Youth Icon and Moderator, who facilitated the dialogue between the sports icons and the student participants.
5. Yuva Samvad – “Your Idea. Your Voice. Your India.”
The Yuva Samvad provided a dedicated platform for youth representatives of the University to express their ideas, aspirations and solutions concerning sports, youth development and nation-building.
Five youth representatives presented their ideas, with approximately 2.5 minutes allotted to each participant. The five themes identified in the programme schedule were:
1. Improving the Sports Ecosystem in the Country
Presented by: Mr. Sondi Gandhi Verma
The discussion focused on strengthening the sports ecosystem and creating better opportunities and support systems for young people to participate and excel in sports.
2. Nurturing Talent for the 2036 Olympics
Presented by: Mr. Yathin Sharma
The theme highlighted the need to identify, nurture and support sporting talent from a young age, with a focus on preparing Indian athletes for the 2036 Olympic Games.
3. Creating Youth Leaders and Youth Participation in Governance
Presented by: Jwala / Shruti
The theme emphasised meaningful participation of young people in leadership, decision-making and governance processes.
4. Empowering Youth for Viksit Bharat
Presented by: Mr. Pranav
The presentation highlighted the role of empowered and responsible youth in contributing to the development and progress of the nation.
5. Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat
Presented by: Mr. Vishnu Vardhan
The theme highlighted the importance of building a healthy, responsible and drug-free youth population as an essential component of Viksit Bharat.
6. Awareness on MY Bharat and VBYLD
The programme also created awareness among students regarding MY Bharat initiatives and the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue (VBYLD).
Students were encouraged to actively participate in youth-development initiatives and utilise platforms that provide opportunities for leadership, civic participation, innovation and contribution to nation-building.
The concluding segment specifically included an appeal for registration on the MY Bharat portal and information regarding the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2027 Quiz.
7. Felicitation and Certificate Distribution
Following the Yuva Samvad, the sports icons Ms. Esha Singh and Mr. Dhanush Srikanth were felicitated in recognition of their contribution and achievements in Indian shooting.
The Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, Dean of Students’ Welfare, Assistant Director, MY Bharat Telangana State and Assistant Director, physical education & Sports Department were invited to the dais for the felicitation.
A certificate was also presented to the Youth Icon/Moderator as part of the programme.
8. Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Pledge
The programme concluded with the administration of the Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Pledge.
Students and participants enthusiastically participated in the pledge, reinforcing the message of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and working towards a drug-free youth community.
The pledge was followed by the National Anthem, marking the formal conclusion of the programme.
9. Participation of University Officials
The programme was attended by senior University officials and representatives associated with MY Bharat and the Department of Physical Education & Sports, including:
- Prof. J. Anuradha, Vice-Chancellor, University of Hyderabad
- Dr. Devesh Nigam, Registrar, University of Hyderabad
- Prof. Padmaja, Dean of Students’ Welfare
- Dr. Aliba Ao, Deputy Dean of Students’ Welfare–III
- Prof. Rukhma Rekha, Deputy Dean of Students’ Welfare–I
- Mr. Sanjay Sharma, Director, CNF
- Mr. G. Rajesh, Assistant Director, MY Bharat
- Dr. Siddhartha Anandesi, Assistant Director, Department of Physical Education & Sports and Nodal Officer, University of Hyderabad
Their presence and support contributed significantly to the successful conduct of the programme.
10. Role of the Nodal Officer
As the Nodal Officer for Khelo India Samvaad at the University of Hyderabad, the Assistant Director, Department of Physical Education & Sports, coordinated the programme in consultation with the Office of the Dean of Students’ Welfare, MY Bharat representatives and concerned University stakeholders.
The coordination involved:
- Planning and coordination of the programme.
- Liaison with University authorities and MY Bharat representatives.
- Coordination with participating sportspersons, Youth Icon and youth representatives.
- Finalisation and implementation of the minute-to-minute programme schedule.
- Coordination of registration and participant seating.
- Coordination of the national virtual programme and live-feed arrangements.
- Coordination of the sports-icon interaction and Yuva Samvad.
- Facilitation of felicitation and certificate distribution.
- Coordination of the Nasha Mukt Yuva pledge and National Anthem.
- Overall on-site coordination and monitoring of the programme.
- Ensuring that the programme was conducted in accordance with the prescribed schedule and objectives.
11. Outcome of the Programme
The Khelo India Samvaad and Yuva Samvad successfully created an engaging platform for students to connect with accomplished sportspersons and discuss the future of Indian sports and youth development.
The interaction with Ms. Esha Singh and Mr. Dhanush Srikanth provided students with first-hand exposure to the experiences and perspectives of elite athletes. The Yuva Samvad further enabled young participants to articulate their ideas on improving the sports ecosystem, nurturing Olympic talent, youth leadership, governance, Viksit Bharat and a drug-free society.
The programme also strengthened awareness of MY Bharat and VBYLD among University students and encouraged them to take an active role in youth-led initiatives and nation-building.
12. Conclusion
The Khelo India Samvaad, VBYLD and Yuva Samvad – National Sports Day 2026 programme at the University of Hyderabad was successfully organised on 27 August 2026 in coordination with MY Bharat.
The programme effectively brought together sports, youth leadership and nation-building under a common platform. The virtual address by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, interactions with accomplished sports icons, youth presentations, awareness of MY Bharat and VBYLD, and the Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat pledge collectively contributed to an inspiring and meaningful programme for the University community.
The event concluded with a group photograph and media interaction with the dignitaries, sports icons and youth representatives.
Report prepared by: Dr. Siddhartha Anandesi