The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports convened a two-day Chintan Shivir on Friday in Telangana to strategize for India’s participation in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and reinforce its bid to host the 2036 Summer Olympics. Chaired by Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, the event brought together sports ministers from various states and union territories, senior officials, and sports experts to discuss a roadmap for India’s rise as a global sporting powerhouse.
Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Raksha Nikhil Khadse, also attended the session, which focused on key areas such as talent identification, the impact of the Khelo India initiative, infrastructure development, and corporate partnerships. Dr. Mandaviya highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making India a leading sporting nation and called for a collaborative approach to achieve Olympic success.
The discussions at Chintan Shivir centered on talent scouting, training methodologies, and the expansion of Khelo India centers. Dr. Mandaviya announced that over 2,800 Khelo India academies have been established, with 937 out of 1,045 centers currently operational. He stressed the importance of a national athlete repository with unique IDs to track and nurture talent systematically.
“We cannot afford to let talent slip through the cracks. A scientific approach to athlete identification and development is essential for our Olympic mission,” he said, emphasizing the role of National Sports Federations in streamlining the process.
Recognizing the need to strengthen grassroots sports, the Minister proposed new initiatives under Khelo India, including beach games, water sports, and indigenous sports, to encourage wider participation. Special attention will be given to identifying and training young athletes aged 9-14 for long-term Olympic preparation.
The discussions also addressed the optimization of existing sports infrastructure across states, public sector units, and private entities. The need for a sustainable model for stadium utilization and the establishment of District-Level Sports Schools (DLSSs) was emphasized to enhance grassroots-level scouting and training.
A significant part of the deliberations focused on sports governance, with an emphasis on transparency in National Sports Federations to ensure fair selection processes. Dr. Mandaviya noted that improving coordination among stakeholders and fostering an athlete-centric governance model would be critical in building confidence among young aspirants and their families.
Apart from strategic discussions, the event included a meditation session led by Padma Bhushan awardee Daaji to promote mindfulness and focus among participants. In the evening, a cultural program showcased India’s rich heritage through traditional music and dance performances, reflecting the spirit of unity and sportsmanship.
