India On Way To Achieving Global Sporting Stature, Sports Minister Writes For Timesnow.in On 12 Years Of Modi Government

When we talk about India's sporting ambitions for the 2030 Commonwealth Games and our larger vision for the 2036 Olympics, the conversation cannot be limited to medals alone. The real question is whether India can build a system that consistently produces world-class athletes across generations.For many years, India's sporting success depended on a handful of exceptional individuals who overcame tremendous odds to reach the top. But such a model relied heavily on individual brilliance. Our focus today is different. We are working to build depth - a sporting ecosystem that can identify, nurture and support talent from the grassroots all the way to the international stage.This transformation is being driven by a combination of targeted government

interventions, structured competitions, sports science, world-class coaching and a rapidly expanding network of sporting infrastructure. Together, these elements are helping create a stronger pipeline of athletes than ever before.At the centre of this effort is the Khelo India programme. When Khelo India was launched in 2017, the objective was not merely to organise sporting events. We wanted to widen the base of Indian sport and ensure that talented youngsters, irrespective of geography or economic background, had access to opportunities that were once available only to a select few.One of the biggest barriers facing aspiring athletes was access. A talented child from a remote village or small town often had no pathway to quality coaching, scientific training or modern facilities. To address this challenge, we have supported the development of more than 300 sports infrastructure across the country with projects worth over ₹3,000 crore.Today, that effort is backed by more than 1,000 Khelo India Centres, State Centres of Excellence and over 300 Khelo India Accredited Academies operating across the country. These facilities provide coaching, sports science support, nutrition guidance, medical assistance and specialised training that are essential for success in modern sport.What is most encouraging is the scale at which talent is now being identified. More than 2,800 athletes are currently being supported under the Khelo India Talent Development Programme, and nearly 1,000 new athletes join this ecosystem every year. These athletes receive coaching, equipment, sports science support and financial assistance that allows them to focus on their development.Financial support is particularly important because talent should never be constrained by economic circumstances. As part of the programme, the Narendra Modi government extends financial assistance of up to Rs 6.25 lakh a year to eligible athletes, covering training, accommodation and related expenses, along with a monthly stipend. For many families, this support makes the difference between a dream deferred and a dream pursued.Competitions remain a crucial part of this ecosystem. The Khelo India Games have emerged as one of the world's largest talent-scouting platforms. Through the Youth Games, University Games, Winter Games, Beach Games, Water Games and Tribal Games, we are identifying athletes from regions that were historically underrepresented in Indian sport. Increasingly, we are seeing young athletes from rural India and economically disadvantaged backgrounds compete and succeed at the highest levels.However, identifying talent is only the first step. The bigger challenge is ensuring that promising athletes do not get lost along the way. That is why we have focused on creating a clear pathway from grassroots competition to elite performance.Athletes who emerge through Khelo India can progress to accredited academies, State Centres of Excellence and the Sports Authority of India's National Centres of Excellence. These centres provide advanced coaching, sports science support, nutrition planning and recovery systems that are comparable to global standards. From there, athletes can move into the Target Olympic Podium Scheme, or TOPS.The Modi government has also expanded our vision for TOPS, which serves as the final stage of preparation for international competition. While the scheme was initially designed to support medal contenders, we now recognise that sustained sporting success requires depth. A nation aspiring to become a sporting powerhouse cannot depend on a handful of elite performers. That is why we are strengthening the TOPS Development Group alongside the Core Group, creating a larger pool of athletes who can emerge as future champions. Our objective is to build a strong second and third line of talent capable of stepping up whenever required.By Mansukh Mandaviya