"Put Nation First": Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya Outlines Bold Strategy for 2036 Olympics at Khelo Bharat Conclave

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New Delhi, July 17: At the landmark Khelo Bharat Conclave held in New Delhi on Thursday (July 17), Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya unveiled India's ambitious plan to break into the top 10 nations at the 2036 Summer Olympics and Paralympics.

The day-long session, attended by the Indian Olympic Association, the Paralympic Committee of India, National Sports Federations (NSFs), corporate leaders, and key decision-makers, laid the foundation for transforming India into a global sporting powerhouse by 2047.

Addressing a packed hall of sports stakeholders, Dr. Mandaviya called for unity and accountability across all sectors of Indian sport. "Sports is a public movement. Only a united effort can push us into the top 10 at the Olympics. We must shed egos, plan together and focus on execution," said the Minister, reiterating Prime Minister Narendra Modi's belief in collective responsibility for sports development.

The conclave spotlighted the upcoming Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 and the National Sports Governance Bill, scheduled to be introduced in the Parliament's Monsoon Session starting July 21. Emphasis was laid on transparency, performance-based funding, and streamlined coordination between NSFs, corporates, and state bodies.

Key highlights included:

• Urging NSFs to submit five-year action plans by August 2025, which will inform India's 10-year Olympic strategy.
• Launch of the 'One Corporate One Sport' initiative aimed at boosting private sector involvement.
• Focused sessions on sports governance reforms, sports goods innovation, coach development, and anti-doping measures.
• Calls for state-level agreements and infrastructure collaborations to sustain long-term impact.

Union Minister of State for Sports, Smt. Raksha Nikhil Khadse, reinforced that the Khelo Bharat Niti is grounded in realistic assessments of India's sporting challenges. She called it a turning point to transform Indian sports into not just a medal-winning arena but a significant driver of jobs, youth engagement, and global visibility.

The conclave also introduced a three-tier Olympic talent pipeline: starting with residential sports schools, followed by intermediate training centres, and finally culminating in elite Olympic Training Centres. This pathway will be supported by a detailed 10-year plan, divided into two phases: 2026-2031 and 2031-2036, designed to deliver consistent results at international events.

As Dr. Mandaviya concluded, he assured unwavering support to the NSFs and stakeholders, while underlining that future grants will be linked to measurable outcomes. "We are not just chasing medals; we are redefining India's identity in global sport," he asserted.

The Khelo Bharat Conclave 2024 marks a paradigm shift in India's approach to Olympic sports-with an integrated ecosystem, grassroots commitment, and a policy-first governance model. The road to Viksit Bharat@2047 will now run through sports fields, training centres, and Olympic podiums.