New Delhi, August 15, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday set an ambitious target for India’s sporting ambitions, saying the country should aim to compete in at least three-fourths of all Olympic events at the 2036 Games. He also announced a nationwide talent identification programme for children aged between five and 15 years.
Addressing the nation from the Red Fort on Independence Day, Modi said India’s sporting performance had improved significantly in recent years and the country was increasingly making its presence felt on the international stage.
He highlighted initiatives including the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), Khelo India Games, University Games, Beach Games and Winter Games, besides developments in sports training, medicine and nutrition.
Modi said India was a strong contender to host the 2036 Olympics and would host the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. However, he pointed out that Indian athletes currently do not qualify for a large number of Olympic disciplines.
“There are about 40 disciplines in Olympics, with nearly 350 events,” he said, noting that India was unable to compete in at least two-thirds of those events because of qualification limitations.
The Prime Minister said the country needed to broaden its sporting base and develop athletes capable of competing across a much wider range of disciplines.
“We have decided that in 2036, we should participate in at least three fourth events,” Modi said.
To support that objective, he announced a nationwide talent hunt targeting children aged five to 15 years. The programme will seek to identify sporting potential across the country and provide selected youngsters with specialised training aimed at developing them into world-class athletes.
The initiative is being launched as India prepares to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad. The hosting rights are scheduled to formally transfer to India at the closing ceremony of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
The 2030 Commonwealth Games will be India’s second hosting of the event after New Delhi staged the Games in 2010. The Ahmedabad Games are expected to provide an opportunity to strengthen sporting infrastructure, identify emerging talent and gain organisational experience ahead of India’s long-term Olympic ambitions.
The Narendra Modi Stadium complex is among the principal venues around which the Ahmedabad Games will be organised.
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