Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged India to broaden its participation in Olympic sports, asserting that the nation’s medal count will not grow significantly without involvement in a wider array of disciplines. He described the current situation, where India competes in only a fraction of the available sports, as a “bitter truth” that necessitates change.

During a virtual address on August 25, 2026, to athletes, students, and volunteers as part of the Khelo India Dialogue, Modi emphasised the importance of diverse sporting participation ahead of National Sports Day on August 29. He was joined by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, who participated from IIT Gandhinagar.

Modi highlighted the disparity in India’s Olympic engagement, stating that “Indian teams don’t even participate in half of the sports,” which directly impacts the country’s ability to compete for medals. He referenced the 2012 Olympics in which India participated in only thirteen sports, leaving over twenty events ignored and largely unknown within the nation.

Encouraging Non-Traditional Sports

In reference to the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics, Prime Minister Modi noted that India competed in sixteen out of thirty-two sports, indicating significant gaps in participation in several medal events. He posited that expanding involvement in new sports is crucial for elevating India’s future performance on the Olympic stage. Modi mentioned sports like surfing and sport climbing as opportunities based on India’s geographical advantages.

He stressed the potential for growth in these sports, particularly within regions suited for such activities, saying, “We have such a vast coastline, we have such a vast hilly region.” The Prime Minister reiterated the need to discover and cultivate talent in these less-traditional areas to improve India’s overall medal tally in international competitions.

Modi’s statements reflect an ongoing commitment to enhancing sports involvement in India. In his Independence Day address earlier that month, he announced the launch of a nationwide talent hunt aimed at identifying children aged five to fifteen, hoping to significantly bolster the nation’s Olympic prospects.

Inspiration from Para-Athletes and Future Vision

During his address, Modi also recognised para-athletes as symbols of resilience and inspiration, mentioning names such as armless archer Sheetal Devi, para-shooter Avani Lekhara, powerlifter Jhandu Kumar, and javelin thrower Sumit Antil. He asserted that the success of these athletes brings honour not only to themselves but also to their families, institutions, and communities.

The Prime Minister framed this conversation within the broader context of India’s strategic vision for the 2036 Olympics, emphasising the need for sustained talent development. The government’s initiative aims to identify and nurture young athletes well in advance of the Games, with significant discussions during the Khelo India Dialogue focusing on expanding sports participation.

Modi wrapped up his address by linking the values of sports to youth development and societal progress. He conveyed that engagement in sports fosters critical life skills and urged the younger generation to prioritise physical activity over digital distractions, stating that “playgrounds are more important than play stations.” His approach firmly aligns with fostering a culture of discipline and excellence in Indian sports.

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