Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Chairs General Body Meeting of LNIPE; Emphasizes Role of Physical Education Teachers in Early Talent Identification

The General Body Meeting of Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education (LNIPE), Gwalior, was held on 11 March 2026 at the Conference Hall of Sports Authority of India (SAI) Headquarters located at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi. The meeting was chaired by the Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya.

During the meeting, various agenda items concerning the development of physical education, promotion of sports, institutional growth of LNIPE, and strengthening of the sports ecosystem in the country were discussed.

While addressing the members, Dr. Mandaviya provided several suggestions and directions to further enhance the contribution of LNIPE and the broader physical education community to national sports development. He emphasized the crucial role of Physical Education Teachers (PETs) in schools and educational institutions in identifying sporting talent at an early stage.

The Union Minister suggested that a structured mechanism should be developed for talent identification through schools, enabling Physical Education Teachers to systematically observe students’ physical abilities, sporting skills, and interests in various sports. Such a mechanism, he noted, would help in identifying promising athletes early and channelizing them towards professional training through appropriate sports academies and institutions.

Dr. Mandaviya further highlighted that once talent is identified, it should be supported with proper coaching, scientific training methods, sports science support, and competitive exposure. This, he said, would ensure that young sportspersons receive the right guidance and infrastructure required to develop into elite athletes capable of representing the nation at national and international levels.

He also encouraged LNIPE to further strengthen its academic and research initiatives in sports science, physical education, coaching education, and fitness training, so that trained professionals can contribute effectively to the national sports ecosystem. The institute was advised to expand its outreach programmes, training workshops, and collaborations with schools, universities, and sports bodies across the country.