One of the most challenging topic for young India today is unemployment. Combating youth unemployment should be a top priority to securing a positive future for young people. Till July 2013 (3.8% ) young people are currently unemployed in India.

Long before the world came into its present form, the relevance of sports in the human society has been one of interest to historians. Since the existence of civilization, sports have been used to integrate people from region(s) and to instill the values of unity, a sense of responsible action, team work, physical and mental fitness, unity and many more. At the turn of the ages, the relevance of games has pinnacled. The wish list is to make a constructive positive impact through sports in the social dynamics. When it is about sports, the role of youth finds greater focus although the seniors are no way behind. At present, our nation requires to provide orientation to its youth who will drive the country for the decades ahead.

The integration of the youth and channelizing of its potential remains the need of the hour. Our vision is to achieve the very same through the means of sport. Sports shall be the common wreath to bind the youth of the nation for it knows no language, no region, no caste, no creed, sex or religion. This approach will be mutli-pronged. First, this will bridge the rural and urban gap. India holds more potential in the field of sports in its rural regions than the urban but the state of opportunities tell a different tale. The acute lack of sports infrastructure has held back the possibilities in the rural sports potential.

Secondly, this will address the challenging area of unemployment for the nation. Sports will open up opportunities for the youth to find suitable sources of employment and thus result in social betterment.

To quote the great youth visionary Swami Vivekananda, he once said, “First of all, our young men must be strong. Religion will come afterwards. Be strong, my young friends, that is my advice to you. You will be nearer to heaven through football than through the study of the GEETA,…You will understand the GEETA better with your biceps, your muscles, a little stronger.”

Investing in youth means investing for the future. To secure the future of sport we need to encourage the sharing of information exchange and cooperation between generations in and out of sports organisations. An old phrase ‘nothing ventured, nothing gained’ is more than applicable for including young people in sport organisations and in the decision-making phases encouraging the leadership skills most commonly requested by employers. Sport offers a stepping-stone for young people to familiarise themselves with how governing bodies function and should function. It builds both their character and understanding and showcase the employment opportunities that are available in sport. Furthermore it enables young people to feel equal and thus makes them a bigger part of the society.

With this visionary as our guide, I wish the support of all the stakeholders to come forward and encourage the youth towards sports and put forth our best efforts to build a nation we shall always cherish.

As a youth organisation promoting sport we must influence the whole sport sector and all actors: associations, committees, clubs and companies, to recognise the young force and their common role in helping tackle youth unemployment.

Dr.SURYAPRAKASH YADAV