Archive · 28 Aug 2026
Modi Says India Must Expand Olympic Sports Participation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India needs to take part in more Olympic sports.
India competed in 16 of the 32 sports at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
In 2012, India competed in only 13 sports.
Modi said India cannot win medals in sports where it does not enter competitions.
He mentioned surfing and sport climbing as examples.
He said India’s coastline and mountainous areas could help athletes train for these sports.
Both sports are scheduled for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Modi also announced a talent hunt for children aged 5 to 15.
He said sports are important not only for medals but also for building character and developing the country.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India does not compete in roughly half of Olympic sports.
India participated in 16 of 32 sports at the 2024 Paris Olympics, up from 13 in 2012.
Modi highlighted surfing and sport climbing, where no Indian has competed at the Olympics.
He said India’s coastline, mountains, population and geography could support wider participation in new sports.
Modi said sports should aid nation-building, build character and help keep young people away from drug abuse.
- Who
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed athletes, students and volunteers; Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya also attended.
- What
- Modi called for India to expand participation across Olympic sports to improve its medal tally.
- When
- Thursday, August 27, ahead of National Sports Day on August 29; Modi had announced the talent hunt on August 15.
- Where
- During a virtual Khelo India Dialogue attended from various locations; Mandaviya joined from IIT Gandhinagar.
- Why
- Modi said India cannot compete for medals in sports it does not enter and argued that sports also support nation-building and youth development.
- 2024 Olympic participation
- India competed in 16 of the 32 sports on the Paris Olympics roster.
- 2012 Olympic participation
- India competed in 13 sports.
- Sports with no Indian Olympic participation
- Modi cited surfing and sport climbing.
- 2028 Olympic opportunity
- Surfing and sport climbing are scheduled for the Los Angeles Olympics.
- Talent initiative
- A nationwide talent hunt was announced for children aged 5 to 15.
- National Sports Day
- It is observed on August 29 in remembrance of hockey player Major Dhyan Chand.
- Sports vision
- Modi said sports should integrate India’s sporting and youth power into nation-building, rather than focus only on medals.
