The IMC Yuva Kshamata Sports Conclave 2026, organised by the Young Leaders’ Forum of the IMC Chamber of Commerce and Industry, brought together athletes, policymakers, doctors, psychologists, nutritionists, entrepreneurs and students under one shared belief, that sport is not merely a game, but a capacity builder for the nation.
This was the fifth edition of the Yuva Kshamata Conclave, and its focus on sports felt deliberate and timely. India stands at a point where youth aspirations are expanding beyond traditional career paths, and sports is no longer confined to stadiums or scoreboards. The conclave explored this ecosystem in its entirety, from the mind of an athlete to the movement of a muscle, from the food on a plate to the policies shaping the future.
Sport as a National Responsibility
The tone for the day was set by Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, who spoke not only as a policymaker but as someone deeply invested in youth development. His address moved beyond medals and rankings. He spoke about discipline, resilience and integrity, qualities that sport cultivates quietly but powerfully.
He emphasised that when young people are encouraged to play, compete and persevere, the impact spills into society at large. The government’s growing focus on sports infrastructure, talent identification and grassroots development, he noted, reflects an understanding that sports is an investment in human character.
His message resonated strongly with the audience, many of whom were young professionals and students. It was a reminder that national progress does not always begin in boardrooms or parliaments. Sometimes, it begins on a dusty field, with a child learning how to lose, adapt and try again.
On Field Challenges
One of the most inspiring voices at the conclave was Diana Edulji, former captain of the Indian women’s cricket team and a trailblazer in Indian sports. Her presence itself carried history. She spoke about a time when opportunities were limited, recognition was scarce and yet the hunger to play remained unstoppable.
Her reflections on leadership were grounded in experience rather than theory. She spoke about accountability, teamwork and the importance of standing firm during setbacks. For her, leadership in sports is not about authority, but about responsibility.
The Unseen Battle: Mental Health in Sports
While physical strength is often visible, mental strength remains largely invisible. This gap was addressed with clarity and sensitivity by Mugdha Bavare, a sports and counselling psychologist associated with elite athletes and the BCCI ecosystem.
Her session shifted the room into introspection. She spoke about anxiety, burnout, self doubt and the emotional toll of constant performance pressure. In a culture that celebrates toughness, vulnerability often goes unacknowledged. She pointed out that athletes are frequently expected to be mentally strong at all times, leaving little space to process fear or failure.
According to her, performance enhancement and emotional well being cannot be separated. A mentally supported athlete is not just a better performer, but a healthier human being.
Emphasis on Diet and Nutrition
Food, often reduced to calorie charts and rigid plans, was discussed with refreshing depth by Kinita Kadakia Patel, a renowned sports nutritionist. She challenged the idea that nutrition is only about what to eat. For her, the real transformation begins when athletes understand why they eat what they eat.
She spoke about the importance of nutritional literacy, especially among young athletes from smaller towns and non privileged backgrounds. When athletes understand how food fuels recovery, endurance and focus, they become active participants in their own growth rather than passive followers of plans.
Movement, Not Just Fitness
A particularly thought provoking session came from Dr Vishwanath Prabhu, who drew a clear distinction between fitness and movement. While fitness often focuses on strength and stamina, movement focuses on how the body functions as a system.
He explained how poor movement patterns lead to injuries and shortened athletic careers, even among highly trained individuals. His call for “movement literacy” struck a chord, especially in a country where early specialisation and overtraining are becoming common.
Building an Ecosystem, Not Just Athletes
Across panels and discussions, one theme echoed repeatedly, no athlete succeeds alone. Behind every performance lies a network of coaches, doctors, psychologists, families, institutions and policymakers. The conclave emphasised the need to strengthen this support system, especially at the grassroots level.
There were also conversations around sports technology, startups, AI driven performance analysis, career opportunities beyond playing, and the revival of indigenous sports. These discussions reflected how sports today intersects with business, education and innovation.
