AUG 30: Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, has lauded the pioneering role of India’s Oil and Gas Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) in nurturing the country’s sporting culture. Speaking at an event organised by the Petroleum Sports Promotion Board (PSPB) in collaboration with the Delhi Soccer Association and Sudeva Academy, the Minister underlined how India’s sports sector has undergone a historic transformation in recent years.
The programme was held to mark National Sports Day, observed annually on 29th August in honour of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand. The event witnessed the participation of Ms. Sabeena Chowdhary, Member Secretary of PSPB, and Shri Anuj Gupta, President of Sudeva Delhi FC.
Shri Puri highlighted that after 2014, the Government has worked consistently to turn India into a true sporting nation, not only by increasing funding but also by strengthening the ecosystem of sports science, nutrition, and professional coaching. He pointed out that these reforms have already begun to yield results, as seen in India’s record-breaking medal hauls at the 2023 Asian Games (107 medals) and the 2024 Para Asian Games (29 medals).
The Minister also drew attention to the recently passed National Sports Governance Bill, 2025, which aims to overhaul the governance of sports bodies, enhance transparency, and improve accountability across federations.
Acknowledging the contributions of PSPB, Shri Puri said the organisation—comprising 16 member companies and supporting 19 sporting disciplines—has been one of the largest and most consistent promoters of sports in the country. Over the years, PSPB athletes have won 151 national sports awards, including 3 Padma Bhushan, 13 Padma Shri, 10 Khel Ratna, 7 Dhyan Chand Lifetime Achievement Awards, 1 Dronacharya Award, and 117 Arjuna Awards.
Shri Puri further highlighted PSPB’s efforts in promoting sports at the grassroots level, especially in Sonbhadra district, Uttar Pradesh, which he has adopted under the Aspirational Districts Programme. He revealed plans to organise a sailing event and establish a Water Sports Training Centre in the district to harness local sporting talent.
Concluding his remarks, the Minister praised PSPB’s long-standing contribution to Indian sports and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to building a world-class sporting ecosystem that inspires the youth to excel.
