Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address young budding athletes and youth leaders during a nationwide initiative, “Khelo India Dialogue – Khel Ki Baat, Pradhan Mantri Modi Ke Saath”, on August 27 to mark National Sports Day 2026.
The large-scale youth engagement programme will be organised across more than 1,500 educational institutions throughout the country, bringing together young people, athletes, policymakers and representatives of educational institutions.
IITs, IIMs, NITs, AIIMS, leading medical colleges and universities will be among the educational institutions participating in the programme.
The programme will begin with a virtual address by PM Modi, following which physical programmes will be held simultaneously at participating locations.
The initiative aims to provide young athletes and sports enthusiasts with a direct platform to share their ideas, suggestions and innovative thoughts on the future of India’s sports and youth ecosystem.
Discussions will focus on four key themes – strengthening the sports ecosystem through better grassroots facilities, coaching and opportunities; nurturing talent for the 2036 Olympics through scientific talent identification and athlete development; enhancing youth leadership and participation in governance; and equipping young people with future-ready skills, volunteering opportunities and avenues for nation-building.
A key feature of the programme will be interaction between young sports enthusiasts and leading Indian athletes and medal winners. Sportspersons including Deepa Karmakar, Saina Nehwal, Gagan Narang, Sreejesh, Mary Kom, Baichung Bhutia, Gopichand, Anju Bobby George, Karnam Malleswari, Mirabai Chanu and P.T. Usha, along with prominent cricketers, will engage with participants.
The athletes will share their sporting journeys, experiences and challenges with young participants.
The dialogue will also involve elected representatives and policymakers. Members of Parliament, Members of Legislative Assemblies, Union Ministers, Ministers of State and State Sports Ministers will interact with youth and seek their views on the four identified themes.
The programme will further feature the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue Quiz and encourage participants to register on the MY Bharat Portal, with the aim of creating opportunities for continued youth engagement beyond the August 27 event.
The initiative is intended to bring youth aspirations, sporting experiences and policymaking onto a common platform and give young people a greater role in shaping India’s future sports ecosystem and youth development agenda.
