PM Modi Calls for Modern Sports Ecosystem and Early Talent Identification
New Delhi, Aug 27: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for a stronger and more modern sports ecosystem in India, with greater emphasis on identifying young talent early and providing athletes with the right support to reach the national and international stage.
Addressing the Khelo India Dialogue through video conferencing on Thursday, Modi said sports should not be viewed only through the lens of medals. He described it as an important tool for developing India’s youth, encouraging discipline and fitness, and contributing to the country’s broader development goals.
The Prime Minister said India is working to create an ecosystem that supports athletes from the stage of talent identification to advanced training. This includes sports universities, modern training centres and improved opportunities for young sportspersons across the country.
He also stressed the need for a nationwide talent hunt focusing on children between 5 and 15 years of age. According to Modi, the objective should not be limited to finding out which sport a child likes, but also identifying the discipline in which the child has the natural ability to excel.
Modi said every district has the potential to produce athletes capable of making their mark on the global sporting stage. He also highlighted the growing opportunities in sports, saying it has emerged as a promising career option for young people.
The Prime Minister said the Khelo India Dialogue is intended to give young people a voice in shaping India’s sporting future. The nationwide programme has brought together youth, athletes and educational institutions to discuss sports, Olympic aspirations, leadership, fitness and nation-building.
Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said sports is increasingly being treated as a national priority and an important means of empowering young people. He highlighted initiatives such as the Fit India Movement and Sunday on Cycle, which encourage citizens to make physical activity part of everyday life.
Mandaviya also pointed to measures aimed at improving transparency and accountability in sports administration and ensuring fairer opportunities for athletes.
The Khelo India Dialogue has been organised by Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) as part of the National Sports Day 2026 celebrations. The programme is being conducted across States and Union Territories, with participation from young people at colleges in districts across the country.
The initiative reflects a broader effort to take sports beyond elite competition and create opportunities at the grassroots level. By combining talent identification, training, fitness and youth participation, the government aims to build a stronger sporting culture and prepare a larger pool of athletes for future national and international competitions.