New Delhi: In a major initiative to empower retired athletes, Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, has launched the “Retired Sportsperson Empowerment Training” (RESET) Programme. Announced on the occasion of National Sports Day, the RESET Programme aims to engage retired sportspersons in India’s evolving sports ecosystem, offering them an opportunity to develop new skills and continue contributing to the nation’s sporting legacy.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Mandaviya emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting retired athletes. “The RESET Programme is an important step towards recognizing and empowering our retired athletes who have made the nation proud with their achievements. We urge all retired sportspersons to take advantage of this opportunity to remain engaged in the sports community and continue shaping the future of Indian sports,” said Dr. Mandaviya.
The RESET Programme is open to retired athletes between the ages of 20 and 50 who have won international medals, participated in international events, or gained recognition at the national or state level. The program will be implemented in collaboration with the Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education (LNIPE) and offers a mix of self-paced online learning, on-ground training, and internships. Participants will also receive placement assistance and entrepreneurial guidance upon completing the course.
Dr. Mandaviya further encouraged retired athletes to apply through the specially designated online portal, emphasizing the potential for these individuals to bridge the gap between generations by sharing their expertise with young aspiring athletes. The initiative will help channel the experience of veteran athletes into mentoring roles, strengthening India’s sports community and enhancing opportunities for both present and future generations of sports talent.
With this initiative, the government seeks to not only honor the contributions of retired athletes but also provide them with the tools to thrive in post-competitive careers, fostering long-term growth and sustainability within the nation’s sports ecosystem.