Archive · 27 Aug 2026
Modi Urges Wider Olympic Participation Ahead Of 2036 Games
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to young athletes about improving sports in India.
He said India does not take part in many Olympic sports.
At the 2012 Olympics, India competed in 13 sports but missed more than 20 others.
This means Indian athletes miss chances to compete for medals.
Modi said India could develop sports such as surfing, climbing and winter sports.
He believes India’s coastline and mountains could help with these activities.
He wants local districts to create sports programs that match their geography and talent.
A new program will look for children aged five to 15 and train them in sports that suit them.
The plan is connected to India’s ambition to host and prepare for the 2036 Olympics.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged India to compete in a broader range of Olympic sports.
He said India entered only 13 sports at the 2012 Olympics and missed more than 20 disciplines.
Modi highlighted surfing, sport climbing, water sports, mountain sports and winter sports as areas for growth.
He called for districts to build sports ecosystems suited to local geography and talent.
A nationwide talent hunt for children aged five to 15 will support preparations for the 2036 Olympics.
- Who
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed young athletes and sports enthusiasts from more than 1,500 educational institutions.
- What
- Modi called for broader Indian participation in Olympic disciplines, district-level sports ecosystems and a nationwide youth talent hunt.
- When
- Thursday, ahead of National Sports Day; the talent hunt was announced from the Red Fort on Independence Day.
- Where
- The Khelo India Dialogue was held virtually by video conference.
- Why
- To expand India’s medal opportunities and develop athletes for more sports ahead of the 2036 Olympics.
- Event
- Khelo India Dialogue
- Participants
- Young people from more than 1,500 educational institutions
- 2012 Olympic participation
- India competed in 13 sports and did not participate in more than 20 disciplines
- Potential sports
- Surfing, sport climbing, water sports, mountain sports and winter sports
- Talent hunt
- Children aged five to 15 will be assessed for their interests and suitability for different sports
- 2036 Olympics
- Modi reiterated India’s ambition to host the 2036 Olympic Games
- Commonwealth Games
- One article said India will host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, while another referred to a 2026 campaign in which India competed in 10 sports and six integrated para-sport events
Sources
PM Modi Calls For Focus On Water, Winter Sports Ahead Of 2036 Olympics
PM Modi addresses youth at Khelo India Dialogue, stresses wider Olympic participation