Prime Minister Narendra Modi set an ambitious sporting target for India on Friday.
Addressing the nation from the Red Fort on Independence Day, PM Modi said India should compete in at least three-fourths of all events at the 2036 Olympics.
PM Modi said India’s sporting progress has accelerated in recent years. He highlighted the success of the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), Khelo India Games, University Games, Beach Games and Winter Games. He cited advances in sports training, medicine and nutrition.
Prime Minister Modi said India has emerged as a strong contender to host the 2036 Olympics. He noted that Ahmedabad will host the 2030 Commonwealth Games.
PM Modi pointed out that Indian athletes currently miss qualification in many Olympic disciplines.
The Prime Minister said the Olympics feature around 40 disciplines and nearly 350 events.
India, PM Modi noted, cannot compete in at least two-thirds of them because athletes do not qualify.
To address this gap, the government will launch a nationwide talent hunt for children aged five to 15.
The programme will identify sporting potential across the country and provide selected youngsters with specialised training.
The initiative aims to build a wider talent base and prepare young athletes for elite international competition. It will strengthen India’s long-term Olympic strategy.
India will gain another major sporting opportunity through the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad.
The event will provide scope to upgrade sporting infrastructure, identify emerging talent and gain organisational experience before the 2036 Olympics.
The Narendra Modi Stadium complex will serve as one of the key venues for the Ahmedabad Games.
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