Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced that India aims to be among the top five countries in the sports arena by 2047 and is targeting to host the 2036 Olympics. Speaking at the International Youth Seminar on “Rising with Kindness” in Kanha Shanti Vanam, he outlined the government’s vision for sports development over the next 25 years.
“For the vision of the next 25 years for the country’s development, we have also made a vision for sports that India aims to host the 2036 Olympics,” he said.
Key Initiatives for Youth and Sports Development
Mandaviya highlighted the various initiatives, including the Khelo India program the Targeted Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), and KIRTI (Khelo India Rising Talent Identification). The program focuses on identifying and training talented young athletes at the school level. The government is covering the costs to provide these athletes with international-level exposure.
He noted that this year’s budget allocates ₹2 trillion over the five years for youth-centric schemes to create employment and skill development opportunities for 4.1 crore youth. He said, “India atmanirbhar” is being created by the union government using the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. The launch of the “Mera Yuva Bharat” portal offers a single platform for youth engagement and empowerment.
The minister emphasized the importance of youth enthusiasm and the need for innovative solutions to national challenges, reflecting on India’s successful management of COVID-19.