From Village Grounds to the Olympics: Murlidhar Mohol Highlights India’s Sports Transformation
Lohgaon, 27th August 2026: Sports were earlier viewed largely as a form of entertainment. However, the sector has undergone a major transformation over the past 12 years and has emerged as an important pillar of nation-building and youth-centric development, Union Minister of State for Cooperation and Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol said.
Mohol said India’s performance at the international level has improved significantly following changes in sports policy and the development of sports infrastructure under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
He was speaking at a programme organised at Ajeenkya DY Patil University on the occasion of National Sports Day. The programme was jointly organised by MY Bharat and the National Service Scheme (NSS), during which Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually interacted with students.
Ajeenkya DY Patil University President Dr Ajeenkya D Y Patil, Vice-Chancellor Dr Rakesh Kumar Jain, Ajeenkya DY Patil Group Vice-President Ish Patil, university Sports Director and Olympian international shooter Dr Heena Sidhu, international archer Sharvari Shende and Shiv Chhatrapati Award-winning tennis player Rutuja Bhosale were present as prominent guests.
Mohol said, “Today’s India is a changed India. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a favourable environment is being created for sports, and sports infrastructure is being developed. Our performance at the Olympic Games has also improved because of the new policies.”
He said funding for the sports sector has also increased substantially and that a comprehensive system has been created for the development of sportspersons.
“A child playing on a village ground can now reach the Olympic Games. An ecosystem has been created to make this possible,” Mohol said.
He added that the Union Cabinet has approved a budget of ₹3,644.41 crore to strengthen National Sports Federations.
Dr Heena Sidhu, Sharvari Shende and Rutuja Bhosale also interacted with students during the programme.
Vice-Chancellor Dr Rakesh Kumar Jain welcomed the guests, while Dr Shital Solanki, Director of NSS at Ajeenkya DY Patil University, coordinated the programme.
Mohol praises Ajeenkya DY Patil University
Mohol also praised Ajeenkya DY Patil University for its vision towards sports.
“There could hardly be a better combination for the sports sector than having an Olympian as the Sports Director of Ajeenkya DY Patil University. The university is already known across the country for its academic quality, and the appointment of Dr Heena Sidhu shows that it also has a strong vision for sports,” Mohol said.
