Shillong: Meghalaya has partnered with the Abhinav Bindra Foundation to introduce the Olympic Values Education Programme (OVEP) in schools across the state, aiming to instill life skills and character development through sports.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on Tuesday by the Departments of Education and Sports & Youth Affairs, in the presence of Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra at the Main Secretariat in Shillong. Senior officials from both departments, along with members of the Meghalaya Olympic Association, were also present.
Speaking at the ceremony, Sangma said the initiative aligns with the government’s “youth-first” approach, calling sports a powerful tool for discipline and lifelong values.
“The Olympic Values Education Programme complements our vision of shaping responsible and productive citizens. With Shri Abhinav Bindra leading this effort, our students will embrace values of excellence, friendship, and respect,” he said, assuring full government support for the programme’s success.
Bindra highlighted the importance of values-based education in transforming young lives.
Developed by the International Olympic Committee, OVEP leverages the appeal of sports and Olympic ideals to engage students in holistic learning.
Its implementation in Meghalaya is expected to benefit thousands of students statewide.
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The event also featured a presentation on setting up a world-class High Performance Sports Science and Injury Centre in Meghalaya, proposed by Abhinav Futuristics Private Limited.
The facility aims to provide advanced training, rehabilitation, and sports science services to help local athletes compete at national and international levels.
Officials said the collaboration marks a significant step in Meghalaya’s effort to integrate education with sports excellence, creating opportunities for both personal growth and athletic achievement.