PM Modi highlights commitment to transforming India’s sporting landscape
New Delhi, August 27: Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on Thursday that the Central Government is fully committed to building a modern sports ecosystem for the 21st century. A system is being developed in the country, from sports universities to modern training centers. This system will provide support at every level, from identifying talent to reaching the global stage.
He stated that the government is also expanding cooperation with other countries to share sports science, practice, training, and experience. The Khelo India Dialogue is an example of how seriously this is being taken.
The Prime Minister addressed the Khelo India Dialogue via video conferencing today. The program aims to connect youth with India’s sports journey, share their aspirations, and solicit their ideas for building a youth-led, developed India.
In his address, the Prime Minister emphasized that the Khelo India Dialogue is not just a program to discuss sports. It is a great medium to connect the ideas and aspirations of athletes with the dreams of the country. He said, “We often hear that a sporting spirit is essential for a healthy society. But it is very difficult to develop it without participating in the field. Sports not only teaches us to become champions but also to become better competitors.”
Narendra Modi explained that from the Red Fort, he had announced a comprehensive talent search campaign to identify talents among children aged 5 to 15. “We need to not only see which sports children are interested in, but also which sport is best suited for them. We must train them accordingly. You will receive the government’s full support in this regard. Our government is fully committed to developing a modern sports system for the 21st century.”
Referring to his Red Fort speech, he said that the country currently faces a major sports challenge. The Indian team does not participate in half the Olympic Games, and this has been going on for decades. He also cited the examples of surfing and support climbing. He said, “Our country has a strong position both demographically and geographically, but still we do not have a strong representation in these sports.
He said, “Today the country’s effort is to develop the ecosystem in these sports and consider the possibilities of further expansion.”
During this, the Prime Minister extended his greetings in advance for National Sports Day, which is celebrated on 29th August, and remembered Major Dhyan Chand. He said that 100 years ago, an Indian Army hockey team went on a tour of New Zealand and Major Dhyan Chand was also in that team. That tour is the foundation of completing 100 years of sports relations between India and New Zealand.
It is noteworthy that this event, organized by ‘Mera Yuva Bharat’ (My India) as part of the celebration of National Sports Day 2026, will feature youth from two colleges in each district of all states and union territories across the country. This event is being organized in line with the Prime Minister’s vision of building a fit, disciplined, and sports-oriented nation by placing youth aspirations at the center of the national development agenda.
The nationwide ‘Khelo India Dialogue’ will bring together sports, youth leadership, civic responsibility, volunteerism, fitness, and nation-building on a common platform. It will provide youth with an opportunity to directly connect with the country’s sporting aspirations, while ensuring that their views and perspectives become part of the ongoing discussion on India’s youth and sports ecosystem.
