PM Modi to Address Young Athletes at Khelo India Dialogue Event
New Delhi, August 27: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address young athletes and leaders during the nationwide program ‘Khelo India Dialogue – A Conversation on Sports with Prime Minister Modi’ on Thursday. This virtual event will be held across more than 1,500 educational institutions in celebration of National Sports Day 2026.
This large-scale youth engagement initiative aims to bring together emerging athletes, students, policymakers, and renowned players. It will provide a platform for sharing ideas to strengthen India’s sporting ecosystem and create more opportunities for the youth.
Following the Prime Minister’s virtual address, participating institutions will host physical programs nationwide. Esteemed institutions such as IITs, IIMs, AIIMS, and other prominent medical colleges and universities will take part in the event.
The initiative will focus on four key areas: enhancing grassroots sports infrastructure, improving coaching and competitive opportunities, identifying and nurturing talent with an eye on the 2036 Olympics, and increasing youth participation in governance and leadership. It will also prepare young individuals with essential skills, volunteering opportunities, and pathways to nation-building.
A special segment of the program will feature discussions between young participants and some of India’s celebrated athletes and medalists. Icons like Dipa Karmakar, Saina Nehwal, Gagan Narang, Sreejesh, Mary Kom, Baichung Bhutia, Pullela Gopichand, Anju Bobby George, Karnam Malleswari, Mirabai Chanu, and P.T. Usha will engage with the youth, sharing their journeys, challenges, and experiences in sports.
The dialogue will extend beyond the sports community. Members of Parliament, MLAs, central ministers, state ministers, and state sports ministers will participate in discussions with youth on the four identified themes.
The focus on talent development is expected to align with India’s long-term goals for the 2035 Olympics, emphasizing the identification of scientific talent, athlete development, and creating robust pathways for young athletes to progress from grassroots to elite levels.
Organizers plan to use this event to promote ongoing youth engagement even after National Sports Day. Participants will be encouraged to take part in the Developed India Young Leaders Dialogue quiz and register on the ‘My India’ portal.
