India accelerating sports infrastructure and talent development as preparations advance for 2036 Olympics
Jaipur
Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said India is steadily advancing towards its vision of becoming a developed nation and is preparing comprehensively to host the Olympic Games in 2036. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the fifth Khelo India University Games at the Sawai Man Singh Stadium, he emphasised that a strong sports ecosystem has been built under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Mandaviya said flagship initiatives such as the Khelo India School Games, Youth Games and University Games are designed to identify promising talent at the grassroots level. Selected athletes, he noted, are being trained at specialised sports schools and Centres of Excellence, helping create a pipeline of world-class competitors capable of representing India at the highest levels. Hosting the 2036 Olympics, he added, would propel Indian sports to new heights and further strengthen the nation’s global sporting presence.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, who also addressed the ceremony, said the University Games are being conducted across seven divisions of the State, bringing together thousands of talented young athletes from across the country. He described the event not merely as a competition but as the starting point of many athletes’ journey toward larger dreams, including participation in the Olympics.
Highlighting the transformative power of sports, Sharma said it fosters discipline, perseverance and the courage to face challenges. Quoting Swami Vivekananda, he urged the youth to “arise, awake and move forward to conquer new heights.” He affirmed that both the Centre and the State governments are committed to promoting sports and providing athletes with the necessary infrastructure and opportunities to excel.
