Independence Day 2026: India aims to be strong contender for 2036 Olympics, says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced during the 80th Independence Day celebrations on August 15, 2026, that India is positioning itself as a serious contender for the 2036 Olympics. Speaking from the ramparts of the Red Fort, Modi emphasized the importance of nurturing young talent to strengthen the nation’s presence in global sports. A nationwide initiative to identify potential athletes aged 5 to 15 will be launched to prepare the country for future Olympic competition. Modi highlighted the success of the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), initiated in 2014, which has played a crucial role in supporting Indian athletes. He noted that the program has contributed significantly to improvements in various sporting domains, including the Khelo India Games, University Games, Beach Games, and Winter Games. The government is also investing in sports medicine, nutrition, and training facilities to enhance athletic performance. The Prime Minister acknowledged that India currently competes in fewer than half of the Olympic events, citing the lack of qualification in many disciplines. To address this gap, the government plans to increase participation in at least 75 percent of the Olympic events by 2036. This ambitious goal requires a comprehensive strategy to develop talent across diverse sports, particularly in areas where India has historically struggled, such as aquatics, cycling, and rowing. A key component of this strategy involves a nationwide talent hunt aimed at discovering promising athletes from all corners of the country. The initiative will leverage artificial intelligence to conduct fitness assessments, evaluating factors such as cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, speed, agility, flexibility, and balance. These tests will help identify individuals with untapped potential, ensuring they receive specialized training to excel in their chosen fields. The government has already established the Khelo India Talent Development (KITD) scheme, which identifies young sporting talent and provides them with formative training leading to opportunities at Khelo India Academies, National Camps, and elite sports programs. As of now, there are 1067 Khelo India Centres (KICs) spread across the nation, offering grassroots exposure to aspiring athletes. India is set to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad, which is also part of the broader effort to secure the 2036 Olympics. The decision to pursue both events underscores the government’s long-term vision for enhancing the country’s international sporting profile. The outcome of India’s 2036 Olympic bid will be determined in 2029, following the selection process conducted by the International Olympic Committee. In addition to focusing on domestic talent development, Modi called for greater participation in international sporting events. His remarks reflect a growing recognition of the need to diversify India’s sporting portfolio and build a sustainable framework for competitive excellence. The emphasis on technology-driven talent identification marks a shift towards modernizing sports infrastructure and training methodologies. The government’s approach draws inspiration from past successes, such as China’s strategic investment in sports during the 2008 Beijing Olympics. By concentrating on disciplines where it lacks representation, India hopes to achieve similar breakthroughs. Aquatics, cycling, and rowing are among the priority areas, given their high medal potential in upcoming Olympic cycles. With the launch of the talent hunt and continued investment in sports education, India is laying the groundwork for sustained progress in global athletics. The coming years will be critical in determining whether the nation can translate its current initiatives into tangible results on the world stage.