New Delhi: Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has credited India’s oil and gas Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) with playing a pioneering role in nurturing the country’s sporting culture. He was speaking at a National Sports Day event organised by the Petroleum Sports Promotion Board (PSPB) in collaboration with the Delhi Soccer Association and Sudeva Academy.
Celebrating National Sports Day
National Sports Day is observed on 29th August each year to mark the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand, India’s legendary hockey player. The event was also attended by Ms. Sabeena Chowdhary, Member Secretary, PSPB, and Anuj Gupta, President, Sudeva Delhi FC.
Policy Push for Sporting Growth
Highlighting the transformation of India’s sports sector, Puri said that since 2014, there has been a concerted effort to make India a “sporting nation.” He noted that support now extends beyond funding, covering the entire sports ecosystem including nutrition, sports science, and coaching.
The Minister also underlined the passage of the National Sports Governance Bill, 2025 in Parliament, which strengthens accountability and overhauls the governance framework of sports federations and bodies.
Achievements Reflecting Transformation
“Results demonstrate the success of these transformative policies,” Puri observed. India achieved a record haul of 107 medals at the 2023 Asian Games and 29 medals (7 gold, 9 silver, and 13 bronze) at the 2024 Para Asian Games.
Recognising PSPB’s Contribution
Puri placed special emphasis on PSPB’s role as one of India’s largest sports promotion bodies. With 16 member organisations, PSPB supports 19 sporting disciplines. Over the decades, PSPB athletes have brought consistent laurels to India, with 151 national awardees among them. These include 3 Padma Bhushan, 13 Padma Shri, 10 Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna, 1 Dronacharya Award, 7 Dhyan Chand Lifetime Achievement Awards, and 117 Arjuna Awards.
Promoting Sports in Aspirational Districts
The Minister also highlighted PSPB’s role in promoting sports in Sonbhadra district, Uttar Pradesh, which he has adopted under the Aspirational Districts Programme.
PSPB has organised archery competitions in the district and harnessed local talent. Looking ahead, Puri announced plans to host a sailing event in Sonbhadra next year and to establish a Water Sports Training Centre, further boosting India’s grassroots sporting ecosystem.
About PSPB
The Petroleum Sports Promotion Board (PSPB) is one of India’s largest sports promotion bodies, comprising 16 oil and gas PSUs. It supports 19 sporting disciplines and has produced some of India’s most decorated athletes. With over 150 national sports awardees, PSPB continues to play a crucial role in strengthening India’s sporting culture.
