Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for India to expand its participation across a broader range of sports during a ‘Khelo India Dialogue’ held via video conferencing. He said India has historically competed in only a limited number of Olympic disciplines despite having the geographical and demographic potential to develop a wider sporting ecosystem.

Focus on Water and Winter Sports

Modi highlighted India’s extensive coastline and mountainous regions as major advantages for developing water and winter sports.

He noted that several Olympic disciplines remain largely unexplored by Indian athletes and stressed the need to build infrastructure, training systems, and a strong support ecosystem to compete in these events.

India’s Limited Olympic Presence

Referring to the 2012 Olympics, Modi said India participated in just 13 sports and did not compete in more than 20 other disciplines, including sports such as surfing and sport climbing.

He argued that expanding participation is essential if India wants to significantly improve its performance at global sporting events.

Commonwealth Games Performance Highlights Gap

India’s participation at the Commonwealth Games 2026 was also largely concentrated in sports such as badminton, hockey, cricket, and wrestling.

Indian athletes competed in 10 sports and six integrated para-sport events, finishing fourth in the medal standings with 13 gold, 17 silver, and nine bronze medals.

Preparing for 2030 Commonwealth Games and 2036 Olympics

Modi said India’s sporting strategy must look beyond existing strengths as the country prepares to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games and pursues its ambition to host the 2036 Olympics.

He emphasized the need to develop athletes in disciplines where India currently has limited participation or does not qualify.

Nationwide Talent Hunt for Young Athletes

The Prime Minister announced a nationwide talent identification campaign targeting children between five and 15 years of age.

The programme will cover villages, cities, and schools to identify promising young athletes and provide them with opportunities to develop their skills.

Building a Stronger Sporting Ecosystem

Modi stressed that India needs a comprehensive sporting ecosystem that can identify talent early and provide sustained training and support.

Expanding participation into water, winter, and other underrepresented Olympic disciplines, he said, will be important for strengthening India’s global sporting presence.