Kishan Reddy Calls for Strong Sporting Pipeline Ahead of 2036 Olympics

Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy has urged young people to begin their sporting journey now, stressing that the country must build a strong pipeline of athletes capable of competing on the world stage.

Speaking at the ‘Khelo India Dialogue – Khel Ki Baat PM Ke Saath’ programme at the English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU) in Hyderabad on Thursday, Kishan Reddy said sports must become an integral part of the country’s broader vision for youth development and nation-building.

“Every child should have an opportunity to play, every talented individual should have a platform to excel, and every athlete should receive the support required to compete with the best in the world,” he said.

The programme was also addressed virtually by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who focused on the need to develop a modern sporting ecosystem for the 21st century and prepare young Indians for the challenges and opportunities associated with the 2036 Olympics. More than 1,500 educational institutions from across the country participated in the interaction.

Kishan Reddy said such initiatives provide young people with an important opportunity to share their ideas and become active participants in India’s development journey.

Highlighting the Centre’s changing approach to sports, the Union Minister said athletics and other sporting activities are no longer viewed merely as extracurricular pursuits. Instead, sports are increasingly being recognised as a powerful instrument for health, discipline, youth empowerment, employment, national pride and nation-building.

He said government support for sports infrastructure, training and budget allocations has expanded significantly compared with the period before 2014.

Referring to India’s recent sporting achievements, Kishan Reddy cited Neeraj Chopra’s historic javelin gold at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, the Indian men’s hockey team’s bronze medal after a 41-year wait, and Manu Bhaker’s two bronze medals at the Paris 2024 Olympics. These achievements, he said, have inspired millions of young Indians and strengthened their belief that Olympic success is within reach.

Calling for sustained preparation, Kishan Reddy urged schools, colleges, universities and Khelo India centres to focus on identifying and nurturing sporting talent from an early stage. Institutions such as EFLU, he said, should ensure that academics and sports grow together.

He added that the values developed through sports - including discipline, self-confidence, teamwork and leadership - will play an important role in building a Viksit Bharat.

The minister urged the youth to contribute towards the vision of a Fit India, Healthy India, Developed India, Confident India and Sports India. Kishan Reddy watched the live telecast of the Prime Minister’s address from the university’s Indoor Sports Complex, along with EFLU Vice-Chancellor Prof. N. Nagaraju.