The 8th National Conference on Physical Education and Sports Science, organized by the Physical Education Foundation of India (PEFI) under the aegis of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, concluded successfully on February 7 at the NDMC Convention Center, New Delhi. Over 700 physical education teachers, sports coaches, sports administrators, research scholars, and policy experts from various states of the country participated in this two-day national conference held on February 6-7.

The conference was formally inaugurated with a special video message from Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Honorable Minister of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India. In his address, he emphasized the importance of physical education, the relevance of the Fit India Movement, and the crucial role of schools, colleges, and universities in realizing India's 2036 Olympic vision.

In his address, he stated that under the visionary leadership of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the goals of 'Olympic Vision 2036' and 'Developed India 2047' are directly linked to building a strong, healthy, and self-reliant nation through sports, with physical education and sports education systems as key pillars.

He also underlined, "Quality physical education, scientific training, and inclusive sports opportunities are the need of the hour. Our talent only needs opportunity, nurturing, and respect. Without a strong foundation in physical education, the dream of the 2036 Olympics remains incomplete." The Hon'ble Minister commended PEFI's initiative, calling it fully aligned with the Government's Vision 2036 and Developed India 2047. He commended PEFI's initiative, calling it fully aligned with the Government's Vision 2036.

On this occasion, Mr. Shobhit Jain, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, delivered the keynote address and released a nationwide survey report on the "Current Status of Physical Education and Sports in the Indian School Education System." Sharing the government's perspective on India's 2036 Olympic vision, he stated that developing a scientific and structured sports ecosystem from the school level is essential, and that the involvement of organizations like PEFI serves as a strong bridge between policy and on-the-ground experiences.

Delivering the welcome address, PEFI National Secretary Dr. Piyush Jain stated that this conference holds historic significance in the field of physical education, sports science, and high-performance sports in India. Distinguished guests Dr. G. Kishore (Vice Chancellor, Young India Sports University, Telangana) and Dr. Shyam Sundar Rath (Acting Vice Chancellor, National Sports University, Manipur) shared their views on high-performance sports infrastructure at the university level.

The inaugural session was graced by the presence of Shri Prasad Mahankar, National Organization Minister of Krida Bharati, Shri Bharat Singh Kushwaha, Member of Parliament, Shri Satish Upadhyay, and Shri Pradeep Shekhawat, National Convenor of Khelo India - Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad.

In his presidential address, Dronacharya Awardee and President of PAFI, Dr. A.K. Bansal, stated that this conference is an effort to develop a collective action plan for India's sporting future.

Through three key technical sessions on the first day of the conference, meaningful discussions focused on the deep connections between sports, education, and society. The session "Sports as an Instrument of Social Change" presented sports as an effective medium for social inclusion, youth empowerment, and nation-building. The session "Transforming Institutions into High-Performance Powerhouses for India's 2036 Olympic Vision" discussed practical models for transforming educational institutions into high-performance centers. In the sessions on anti-doping reform and evidence-based sports nutrition, nutrition experts highlighted the importance of clean sport and scientific nutrition. Parallel to this, paper presentation sessions were held for researchers, while in the evening, Honorable Minister of State, Shri Harsh Malhotra, honored individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of physical education and sports science through the 8th National Awards of PFI.

The second day's sessions focused on sports science, technology, and talent development. Prof. (Dr.) Anukriti Sharma presented her views on "Mega Sporting Events as Catalysts for Tourism, Urban Development, and Regional Growth," while Prof. (Dr.) A.K. Uppal delivered a lecture on technological advancements in the science of sports training. In the session "From Science to Podium: Integrating Sports Science for India's 2036 Olympic Aspirations," experts discussed the role of biomechanics, physiology, and performance analytics. The "Return-to-Play Decisions in Elite Sport" session delved into injury management and athlete safety, while the "Developing Talent through Education" session addressed increasing grassroots participation, improving physical education curricula, and promoting inclusion. A national survey report on the status of physical education in the current school education system, prepared by PEFI, was also released, offering important guidance for policymakers and educators.