Assam Don Bosco University (ADBU), Azara Campus organised the Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect – Sports Edition on 27 August 2026 as part of the nationwide celebrations leading up to National Sports Day, observed annually on 29 August to commemorate the birth anniversary of legendary hockey player and national icon Major Dhyan Chand.

The special programme was organised with a focus on youth participation, sporting excellence, sports development and the role of young people in nation building. The Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect initiative seeks to bring together young people, sportspersons and public representatives on a common platform, enabling meaningful conversations on India’s sporting journey and the aspirations of its youth.

A major highlight of the nationwide initiative was the virtual address by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who interacted with more than eight lakh young participants across 1,600 locations on 27 August. In his address, the Prime Minister highlighted the immense potential of Indian sportspersons to represent the country on international platforms such as the Olympics and Commonwealth Games. He also emphasised the importance of initiatives such as Khelo India in strengthening India’s sporting culture and creating greater opportunities for young athletes.

At Assam Don Bosco University, the programme brought together youth participants, MY Bharat Volunteers, sportspersons and a local public representative for an engaging session. Following the Prime Minister’s virtual address, the participants took part in an interaction with local sportspersons, reflecting on the development of India’s sporting ecosystem and the transformation of sports infrastructure over the past 12 years.

A key attraction of the programme was the participation of Pratismita Das, an 18-year-old karate player, who was invited as the sportsperson for the event. A Class XII pass-out, Pratismita began her martial arts journey at the age of six and earned her Black Belt at the age of nine. She has competed at the national level for 12 consecutive years and has won medals in tournaments held across India, including Goa, Odisha, Darjeeling and Mumbai.

Pratismita has also represented herself on the international stage. She participated in the Kolkata International Tournament in 2025 and recently competed in the 2026 National Championship in Guwahati. Beyond her achievements as an athlete, she completed her Instructors Training in 2024 and has been serving as a State-Level Judge since the age of 15.

Her inspiring journey offered the young participants a powerful example of how discipline, dedication and sustained engagement in sports can help young people develop not only as successful athletes but also as mentors and contributors to the wider sporting community. The programme concluded with a Youth Samvaad, during which participants shared their ideas, suggestions and aspirations concerning the future of Indian sports and the broader vision of a Viksit Bharat. The Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect – Sports Edition at Assam Don Bosco University thus provided a meaningful platform for young people to engage with the sporting community, exchange ideas and reflect on their role in strengthening India’s sports ecosystem.

News Courtesy: Fr Anthony Kannanayakkal SDB