Students from Ladakh participated in the nationwide Yuva Samvaad–Khelo India Dialogue held at EJM College, Leh, on August 27, providing them an opportunity to engage in discussions on sports, youth aspirations, healthy lifestyles and nation-building.

Organised under the Khelo India initiative with the theme “Khel Ki Baat, PM Modi Ke Saath,” the programme was attended by Administrative Secretary, School Education Department, UT Ladakh, Bhanu Prabha, and joined virtually by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Students, athletes, sportspersons and My Bharat volunteers from colleges across the country participated in the nationwide interaction.

The programme highlighted the role of sports in youth development and carried the message of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, encouraging young people to adopt healthy and productive lifestyles.

The event was organised ahead of National Sports Day on August 29, commemorated in honour of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand. At EJM College, the programme featured an interaction with accomplished sportspersons from Ladakh, including cyclist Leakzes Angmo, mountaineer Abida Afreen and ice hockey player Padma Chorol, who shared their sporting journeys, challenges and achievements with students.

During the interactive session, students raised questions about opportunities under the Khelo India initiative, strengthening the sports ecosystem, the Fit India Movement, balancing education with sports, overcoming challenges and criticism, family support, scholarships and opportunities available to young athletes.

The sportspersons shared their experiences of pursuing sporting careers, accessing support and equipment, and making use of opportunities provided through various sports programmes.

The interaction also underlined the role of sports in promoting discipline, confidence and healthy lifestyles among youth while keeping them away from drugs and other harmful influences. A pledge was subsequently administered to reaffirm the participants’ commitment to building a drug-free society.

Bhanu Prabha encouraged participating sportspersons to contribute towards expanding cycling opportunities for young people in Ladakh. She suggested developing a structured cycling programme to provide greater opportunities for aspiring cyclists and strengthen the cycling ecosystem in the Union Territory.

Addressing the students, Bhanu Prabha emphasised the importance of passion, perseverance and hard work in achieving one’s goals. She encouraged the youth to remain committed to their aspirations, learn from setbacks and criticism, continuously upgrade their skills and make full use of available opportunities, including scholarships and institutional support.

She assured all possible support from the UT Administration towards improving sports infrastructure and promoting sporting activities in Ladakh under the leadership of Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena.

The programme was attended by Former MP Ladakh Jamyang Tsering Namgyal; Principal, EJM College, Prof. Stanzin Yangdol; Dean, College Development Council, Dr Tsewang Norbu; sportspersons and State Awardees from Ladakh; faculty members and students of EJM College, besides other participants.