Talent Search 2026-27: Youth showcase their mettle: surge of talent at boxing, badminton, and archery trials; hundreds of athletes display their skills in Bhopal and Jhabua
The "Talent Search 2026-27" campaign, conducted by the Department of Sports and Youth Welfare, Madhya Pradesh, is emerging as a golden opportunity for the state's young athletes. The steadily increasing participation in the selection trials for state sports academies demonstrates that the state's sporting talent is fully prepared to make a mark at national and international levels.
On Saturday, a large number of athletes enthusiastically participated in selection trials held at the T.T. Nagar Stadium in the capital Bhopal and in Jhabua, showcasing their sporting prowess impressively.
Enthusiasm Among Athletes at the Madhya Pradesh State Boxing Academy
A total of 148 athletes—comprising 84 boys and 64 girls—participated in the selection trials held at the Madhya Pradesh State Boxing Academy at T.T. Nagar Stadium. The selection process was conducted in accordance with established technical standards under the supervision of experienced coaches. The trials were led by Chief Coach Roshan Lal, while Assistant Coaches Neha Kashyap, Sonam Nayak, and Bharat Pansoriya meticulously evaluated the athletes' performances.
70 Athletes Showcase Talent in Badminton Trials
Seventy athletes participated in the badminton selection trials held at T.T. Nagar Stadium, Bhopal, demonstrating their technical proficiency and sporting skills. The selection process was led by Agus Dwi Santosa, Chief Coach of the Gwalior Badminton Academy and former coach of Indian star shuttler P.V. Sindhu (in 2021 and 2023). He was joined by Indonesian doubles specialist coach Sofiyan and Assistant Coach Vineet Sarode in evaluating the athletes' performances.
Successful Archery Trials Held in Jhabua
Twenty-two athletes participated in the archery selection trials held in Jhabua, demonstrating their concentration, technical skills, and marksmanship. The active participation of athletes from remote areas proved that immense sporting potential exists within the tribal and rural regions of the state.
Talent Search Campaign to Continue Across the State
Under the "Talent Search 2026-27" initiative, selection trials for various sports will be held in different districts of the state in the coming days, following a scheduled timeline.
The Department of Sports and Youth Welfare has urged eligible athletes to participate in the trials in large numbers, aiming to build a strong foundation for propelling Madhya Pradesh's emerging sports talent onto national and international platforms.
Selection Trials to Continue in Subsequent Phases
In the upcoming phases of the talent search campaign, selection trials for various sports—including athletics, triathlon, kayaking and canoeing, men's and women's hockey, archery, and taekwondo—will be conducted according to the schedule. This will provide a greater number of athletes from the state with the opportunity to showcase their talent.