PM Ramgoolam reaffirms Government’s commitment to youth empowerment and sports development

Government remains firmly committed to investing in youth and sports, recognising their vital role in promoting healthy lifestyles, fostering national unity and steering young people away from the drug scourge, said the Prime Minister, Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam, yesterday, at the official reopening of the Sir Rabindranath Ghurburrun Stadium in Triolet.

The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr Darmarajen Nagalingum; the Minister of Local Government, Mr Ranjiv Woochit; the Junior Minister of Youth and Sports, Mrs Karen Foo Kune-Bacha; and other eminent personalities.

In his address, Prime Minister Ramgoolam recalled that the stadium had previously been in a dilapidated condition, lacking floodlights and requiring extensive rehabilitation. The upgraded facility, he said, will provide young people and residents with a safe and suitable environment to engage in regular sporting activities.

He noted that several sports complexes across the country had deteriorated over the years and reaffirmed Government's determination to rehabilitate these facilities to encourage wider participation in sports and provide athletes with quality infrastructure.

Dr Ramgoolam also urged the population to adopt regular physical activity as part of a healthy lifestyle. Referring to the relaunch of the Sports Inter-collèges competition, he highlighted its importance in promoting school sports and identifying promising young talents, while emphasising that sports remain a powerful force for national unity.

The PM further reminded that Government has allocated some Rs 1.2 billion to the youth and sports sector in Budget 2026-2027. He also dwelt on the pension reform, the latest International Monetary Fund report and key measures announced in Budget 2026-2027.

For his part, Minister Nagalingum stated that the rehabilitation of the Sir Rabindranath Ghurburrun Stadium fulfils a long-standing request from the youth of the region for the facility to be restored and made fully operational.

He reiterated that youth development and the promotion of sports at both grassroots and professional levels remain key Government priorities. Stressing that sports offer an effective means of keeping young people engaged in positive and healthy pursuits, he also voiced concern over the growing drug scourge.

The Minister added that Mauritian youth possess immense sporting potential and reaffirmed Government's commitment to providing the infrastructure and opportunities needed to help them excel.

The rehabilitation works at the Sir Rabindranath Ghurburrun Stadium included electrical and plumbing upgrades, the installation of new fencing and modern floodlights, as well as painting works. The renovated facility will offer improved conditions for football and other sporting activities while promoting social cohesion and community inclusion.

04 July 2026

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Topics: Sports, Youth