Image Source: Economic Times
Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has ignited an ambitious vision for India’s sporting future, calling on the nation to prepare to host the Olympics and secure a spot among the world’s top 10 sporting nations within the coming decade. His remarks, delivered at major sporting conferences and echoed by the country’s top leadership, signify a bold push to elevate India’s global sports standing by 2036—a year targeted for both Olympic bid aspirations and a leap in medal tallies.
Key Highlights: Setting the Stage for Olympic Glory
Mandaviya emphasized that hosting the Olympics is not only a mark of national pride but also a crucial symbol of India’s rising strength and status as an emerging power on the world stage.
The government aims to align the centenary of India’s independence in 2047 with a sporting renaissance, envisioning the country’s ascendance to the top 10 by 2036 and among the top 5 by 2047.
The goal is grounded in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, underscoring sports as key to both physical and mental well-being, societal prosperity, and national development.
Building the Roadmap: Strategic Pillars for Sporting Excellence
India’s official bid to host the 2036 Summer Olympics is in the “continuous dialogue” phase with the International Olympic Committee, with Gujarat—especially Ahmedabad—emerging as a potential central venue.
The government is rallying all stakeholders, including the Indian Olympic Association, states, and private sector, to collaborate on infrastructure, talent identification, grassroots promotion, and high-performance programs.
Mandaviya announced renewed emphasis on sports science, athlete nutrition, and technology integration as foundations for increasing medal prospects.
Grassroots to Greatness: Empowering the Youth
Initiatives such as Khelo India, Fit India, and the Khel Mahakumbh have already started transforming India’s sporting landscape, with mass participation and discovery of rural talent.
Mandaviya acknowledged the pivotal role of Bharat Centre of Olympic Research and Education (BCORE) in fostering academic and strategic research around sports training, youth engagement, and policy development.
The State Minister of Sports, Gujarat, highlighted record-breaking grassroots participation and the integration of sports with education, positioning youth as the primary drivers of this sporting movement.
Global Perspectives and Collaboration
International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach, in a special message to Indian delegates, encouraged blending sports with education to nurture the next generation of athletes and leaders.
Planning experts from Paris 2024 provided valuable insights on venue sustainability, athlete support systems, and leadership—stressing the importance of robust preparation for Olympic-scale ambitions.
India is facing global competition in its 2036 bid from nations like Qatar and Turkey, making strategy and unified national effort especially critical.
Tackling Challenges on and off the Field
India’s journey is not without hurdles: improving standards in key sports such as football, addressing issues like doping, and upgrading facilities to Olympic benchmarks remain pressing priorities.
The government and sports authorities are actively working with federations and international agencies to resolve shortcomings, enhance athlete welfare, and fortify anti-doping initiatives.
Conclusion
With an eye on the 2036 Olympics and the top 10 in international sport, Mandaviya’s rallying cry reflects a new era of ambition, planning, and unity in Indian sport. If this vision is realized, the coming decade could stand as a golden chapter for Indian athletics, symbolizing both the power of dreams and the discipline of preparation on the world’s grandest stage.
Sources: Hindustan Times, News On Air, New Indian Express
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