Is the Government Truly Committed to Making India a Sporting Superpower Before the 2036 Olympics?

Patna, May 4 (NationPress) Highlighting the achievements of Bihar’s 14-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi in the IPL, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on Sunday that his administration is dedicated to enhancing sports infrastructure to transform the nation into a sporting superpower as it aims to fulfill the vision of hosting the Olympics in 2036.

In a video address to inaugurate the ‘Khelo India Youth Games 2025’, PM Modi remarked, “The government has tripled the sports budget over the last decade and allocated Rs 4,000 crore this year.”

Linking athletic spirit with national pride, the PM emphasized the necessity of fostering a sporting culture in the country, asserting, “A flourishing sports culture will enhance India’s soft power.”

He underscored his government’s commitment to promoting sports and enhancing infrastructure, noting that sporting events are now organized year-round, with the National Education Policy recognizing sports as an integral part of mainstream education.

“Whether it’s university games, youth games, winter games, or para-games, the government is dedicated to introducing athletes to diverse sporting disciplines,” PM Modi stated.

He also pointed out the initiative to upgrade facilities in Bihar, mentioning a sports city being developed along the Patna-Gaya Highway, and the expanding amenities in rural areas as examples of the benefits from the NDA’s “double engine” governance.

Reflecting on the economic implications of sporting culture, PM Modi noted, “The sports economy extends beyond stadiums, creating hundreds of jobs and opening new employment opportunities.”

Sports also pave the way for careers in areas such as sports entrepreneurship, physiotherapy, data analytics, sports technology, e-sports, sports media, and event management, he added.

Encouraging the 6,000 participants of the Games to take advantage of the event and engage more by competing in various disciplines, PM Modi expressed, “I hope all participants emerge as successful ambassadors of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.”

In his video message, the PM welcomed the athletes by sharing a few phrases in Bhojpuri-Maithili and encouraged them to savor the state’s traditional dishes like litti chokha and makhana.

The grand sporting event for under-18 players, ‘Khelo India Youth Games 2025’, commenced with vibrant celebrations in Patna.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Union Sports Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated the event, which also saw the presence of Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse.

The games will conclude on May 15, featuring over 8,500 young athletes in both girl’s and boy’s categories competing for medals across various events. More than 2,400 medals in different sports are up for grabs.

A total of 28 sports will be contested across six cities, including Patna, Rajgir, Gaya, Bhagalpur, and Begusarai, while events in cycling, shooting, and athletics will be held in New Delhi.

Several events commenced on Sunday, with the West Bengal team winning the first boy’s volleyball match against Rajasthan in a tightly contested game, according to an official.

Jammu and Kashmir also shone in volleyball, defeating Uttarakhand in a match held in Patna.

Events in Judo, Kabaddi, Mallakhamb, and archery are taking place in Patna, Rajgir, Gaya, and Bhagalpur, with Bihar fielding a large squad of around 700 athletes competing in various sports.