Independence Day 2026: Modi sets 2036 Olympic target, unveils talent hunt
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday announced a nationwide sports talent hunt for children aged five to 15 as part of India's push to strengthen its sporting base ahead of a possible 2036 Olympics.
Addressing the nation from the Red Fort on the 80th Independence Day, Modi said India aims to compete in at least three-fourths of Olympic events by 2036, significantly expanding its participation across disciplines.
“We have decided that in 2036, we should participate in at least three-fourths of events. We are launching a nationwide talent hunt for children aged 5 to 15 to identify prospects in every corner of the country. They will get special training to become world-class athletes,” Modi said.
He said the talent hunt would seek promising young athletes across the country and provide them with specialised training to compete at the highest level.
Modi also highlighted the Target Olympic Podium Scheme, launched in 2014, and the government's efforts through the Khelo India Games, University Games, Beach Games and Winter Games, along with investments in sports training, medicine and nutrition.
“India is making space for itself in the world of sports. We hear our national anthem frequently and see our tricolour going up very often,” he said.
Expanding the pool of athletes across disciplines where India has traditionally had limited representation, Modi said, would be a key priority.
Ahmedabad, which India has put forward as its proposed host city for the 2036 Olympics, is also set to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. The hosting rights were formally transferred to Ahmedabad at the closing ceremony of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow on August 2.
It will be India's second Commonwealth Games after New Delhi hosted the event in 2010.
