Union Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (Independent Charge) and Minister of State for Education, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, interacted with young athletes and para-athletes from Kendriya Vidyalayas and Navodaya Vidyalayas, who have excelled in various national and international sports events today. The first Indian to win an individual Olympic Gold and the first Indian to win a World Championship Gold in Air Rifle shooting, Shri Abhinav Bindra was also present at the event. Secretary, Department of School Education & Literacy, Shri Sanjay Kumar; Commissioner, KVS, Smt. Nidhi Pandey, and other officials of the Ministry of Education, KV and NV were also present at the event. Fourteen award-winning student-athletes interacted with the Minister and Shri Bindra, and hundreds of students and teachers from KV and JNV connected virtually in the event.

Shri Jayant Chaudhary, during his address, highlighted that the day was dedicated to celebrating the achievements of the student-athletes and expressed gratitude to Shri Bindra for sharing his insights. He stressed that sporting champions are not necessarily made on the field alone; a specific mindset, structured approach, and discipline are essential for achieving success on the field. He mentioned that both the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship are keen on providing exposure to various streams at a young age. Using Shri Bindra as an example, he underscored the importance of reinventing oneself and embracing lifelong learning, as emphasized in the NEP 2020.

 

Shri Abhinav Bindra, while interacting with the students emphasised how sports play an important role in education and expressed his gratitude to the Minister for conceiving this programme that will motivate the students. He briefly described his 22-year-long journey and the learning that he received during it. Sports taught him not about wins and losses, the importance of hard work, integrity and honesty, listening intently, respecting rules, competitors, outcomes, and self-respect, he stressed. He also mentioned three Olympic values: Excellence, Respect, and Friendship.

Shri Sanjay Kumar expressed his gratitude to Shri Jayant Chaudhary for envisioning the programme and noted that the presence of Shri Bindra among the children would serve as a source of motivation. He also highlighted how the key components and vision of the National Education Policy 2020 are being implemented in Kendriya Vidyalayas and Navodaya Vidyalayas to ensure a bright future for the students of the country.

Fourteen student-athletes—six from KV and eight from NV—shared their achievements and experiences with the dignitaries, who commended and appreciated their efforts. Additionally, several students who participated virtually had the opportunity to ask their questions to Shri Bindra, who thoughtfully addressed each of their queries.

 

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