PM Modi announces 'talent hunt' for 2036 Olympics with the mantra "Those who play, will shine"; why PM said a vast three-quarters of the field awaits us
On the occasion of the 80th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Narendra Modi announced special preparations for the 2036 Olympics from the ramparts of the Red Fort. Championing the mantra "Those who play, will shine" (Jo khelega, vah khilega), he stated that new athletes would be groomed through a nationwide 'talent hunt' campaign.
Speaking from the ramparts of the Red Fort, PM Modi declared that India's goal should be to participate in every sporting event at the 2036 Olympics. He announced that a 'talent hunt' campaign would be launched across the country to identify children with sporting talent and provide them with excellent training and support to prepare for sports.
Modi said, "I have always maintained: 'Those who play, will shine.' When I speak of 'those who play, shine,' I refer to the fact that today, my dear countrymen, India is carving a niche for itself in the world of sports. Now, India's national anthem and national song resonate at sports podiums, and the Indian Tricolour is seen flying high. The TOPS scheme has achieved tremendous success.
A vast new horizon is opening up for the youth
PM said India is moving towards excellence in areas ranging from the Khelo India Games, University Games, Winter Games, and Beach Games to sports infrastructure, coaching, sports medicine, and nutrition. A vast new horizon is opening up for the youth; even if one does not become an athlete, immense opportunities are emerging within the sports support ecosystem. India's performance in the sports arena is steadily improving; we are advancing as strong contenders to host the 2036 Olympics, and India is also set to host the Commonwealth Games in 2030."
India is completely absent from two-thirds of 325-odd sports events
He added, "The Olympic Games comprise around 40 sports disciplines and approximately 325 to 350 events. It may sadden you to learn—and I challenge, call upon, and seek the help of my young countrymen regarding this—that India is completely absent from two-thirds of these 325-odd events. We lack a presence; we fail to qualify. "
PM fiutrther said, "We have resolved that we want the 2036 Olympics to be held in India. However, regarding the disciplines and events where India currently does not compete or qualify—areas we have previously left unaddressed—a vast three-quarters of the field awaits us. India will focus on these areas, and to this end, we intend to launch a talent hunt campaign."
He said, "If we want athletes for 2036, we must focus on the young boys and girls who are currently between the ages of 5 and 15. Therefore, a talent hunt campaign will be launched across villages, cities, and schools to identify sporting talent within this age group; their abilities will be assessed, and they will be provided with specialized training to mold them into accomplished athletes who can represent the country."