PM Modi Says Government Committed To Building Modern, 21st-Century Sports Ecosystem

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the government is committed to developing a modern, 21st-century sports ecosystem in India, with a focus on identifying talent, strengthening training infrastructure and helping athletes achieve success on the global stage.

Addressing athletes during the ‘Khelo India Dialogue’ through video conferencing, Modi said a comprehensive sports system is being developed across the country, covering institutions ranging from sports universities to modern training centres.

“Our government is fully committed to creating a modern, 21st-century sports ecosystem in India. Today, a system is being built across the country—from sports universities to modern training centres—that provides support at every stage, from identifying talent to propelling it onto the global stage,” the Prime Minister said.

He added that India is also strengthening cooperation with other countries to share expertise in sports science, training and coaching, which he said would further support the development of athletes.

Modi described the ‘Khelo India Samvad’ as more than a platform for discussing sports, saying it provides an opportunity for young people to share ideas that could help shape the country's sporting vision.

“This interaction with the youth serves as a powerful medium to align your ideas and aspirations with the dreams of the nation,” he said.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the significance of National Sports Day, observed on August 29 to commemorate the birth anniversary of legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand.

Modi recalled Dhyan Chand's contribution to India's Olympic success, noting that the hockey great was part of teams that won Olympic gold medals between 1928 and 1936.

He also referred to Dhyan Chand's participation in an Indian Army hockey team's tour of New Zealand around a century ago, describing it as an important milestone in the long-standing sporting ties between India and New Zealand.

“Major Dhyan Chand was part of that team. That marks the foundation of the 100-year-long sporting ties between India and New Zealand,” Modi said.