New Delhi, 27 August (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that the Central Government is fully committed to building a modern sports ecosystem for the 21st century. He said a comprehensive system is being developed across the country, ranging from sports universities to state-of-the-art training centres, with support to be provided at every stage—from identifying talent to helping athletes reach the global stage.

He said the government is also strengthening cooperation with other countries to exchange expertise and experiences in sports science, practice and training. The ‘Khelo India Dialogue’, he said, is an example of the seriousness with which these efforts are being pursued.

The Prime Minister addressed the ‘Khelo India Dialogue’ through video conferencing on Thursday. The programme aims to connect young people with India’s sporting journey, understand and share their aspirations, and seek their ideas and contributions towards building a developed India led by its youth.

In his address, Modi said the Khelo India Dialogue is not merely an event focused on discussing sports. Rather, it is a major platform for connecting the ideas and aspirations of sportspersons with the dreams and ambitions of the nation.

“We often hear that a sporting spirit is essential for a healthy society. But it is very difficult to develop it without stepping onto the field. Sports not only teach us how to become champions, but also how to become better competitors,” he said.

Modi recalled that in his Independence Day address from the Red Fort, he had announced a comprehensive talent identification campaign for children between five and 15 years of age. He said the objective should not merely be to determine which sport a child is interested in, but also to identify the sport best suited to the child’s abilities and train them accordingly.

“You will receive the government’s full support in this endeavour. Our government is completely committed to developing a modern sports system for the 21st century,” he said.

Referring to his Red Fort address, the Prime Minister said India currently faces a major challenge in the field of sports. The country does not participate in half of the sports featured at the Olympics, a situation that has persisted for decades.

He cited surfing and sport climbing as examples, saying India has strong advantages in terms of both its demographic strength and geographical diversity, yet its representation in these disciplines remains limited.

“Today, the country is making efforts to develop an ecosystem for these sports and explore possibilities for taking them forward,” Modi said.

During his address, the Prime Minister also extended advance greetings ahead of National Sports Day, observed on August 29, and paid tribute to Major Dhyan Chand. He recalled that 100 years ago, an Indian Army hockey team had toured New Zealand and that Major Dhyan Chand was part of the team. He said that tour laid the foundation for the completion of 100 years of sporting ties between India and New Zealand.

The programme, organised by Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) as part of the National Sports Day 2026 celebrations, will feature participation from young people from two colleges in every district across all states and Union Territories.

The initiative is being held in line with the Prime Minister’s vision of placing the aspirations of young people at the heart of the national development agenda and building a fit, disciplined and sports-oriented nation.

The nationwide ‘Khelo India Dialogue’ will bring together sports, youth leadership, civic responsibility, volunteering, fitness and nation-building on a common platform. It will provide young people with an opportunity to engage directly with the country’s sporting aspirations while ensuring that their ideas and perspectives become part of the continuing dialogue on India’s youth and sports ecosystem.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar