Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday participated in the Khelo India Samvaad via video conference, addressing youth and athletes connected from more than 5,000 institutes across the country as part of National Sports Day 2026 celebrations.
National Sports Day is observed every year on August 29 to mark the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand.
Addressing the youth, PM Modi said sports should contribute to nation-building beyond winning medals, linking India’s sporting strength and youth energy to build a Viksit Bharat. He stressed the need for India to participate and excel in sporting disciplines where the country currently has limited presence.
The Prime Minister outlined a long-term strategy for the 2036 Olympics aimed at ensuring that a large number of Indian athletes are capable of qualifying and excelling across a wide range of disciplines. He announced the launch of a nationwide Talent Hunt targeting children aged 5 to 15 and assured that the government would provide the necessary support.
Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, speaking virtually from IIT Gandhinagar, said sports had become a national priority. He highlighted Prime Minister Modi’s continued engagement with athletes, the reach of the MyBharat platform, which has more than 2.4 crore youth members, and the government’s youth-focused approach to policymaking.
Mandaviya emphasised transparency, accountability and fair opportunities through the National Sports Governance Act.
Following the PM’s address, Olympic medallist Gagan Narang and 2024 Paralympic bronze medallist Sheetal Devi shared their sporting journeys with students at IIT Gandhinagar.
Narang highlighted improvements in sports administration and access to international-standard equipment, while Devi spoke about changing perceptions towards para-athletes.
Students from IIT Gandhinagar presented their ideas around five themes highlighted by PM Modi: Sports, Olympic Aspirations, Youth Leadership, Viksit Bharat and Nasha Mukt Yuva.
The presentation focused on India’s broader journey towards sporting excellence.
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