India's Sports Minister Unveils Ambitious Plan for Olympic Talent Development

Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, has announced a comprehensive plan to identify and nurture sports talent in India as part of preparations for the 2036 Olympics. This initiative follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for a nationwide talent hunt. Mandaviya emphasized the need for a structured talent identification framework, public-private partnerships to enhance training ecosystems, and improvements in coaching standards. He urged for immediate action to build a robust sports infrastructure that meets the rising expectations of the government and the growing interest in sports among the Indian populace. The plan aims to create a sustainable pipeline of athletes ready for international competition.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 20, 2026, 23:55 IST

Nationwide Sports Talent Hunt Initiative

Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's declaration of a national sports talent hunt during his Red Fort address, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, has urged for a swift and thorough roadmap to identify and nurture athletic talent in preparation for the 2036 Olympics.

Strategic Talent Identification Framework

During the 63rd Governing Body Meeting of the Sports Authority of India (SAI), Mandaviya stressed the importance of laying the foundation for India's sporting aspirations over the next decade. He stated, "The planning for the upcoming ten years leading to the Olympics must commence immediately," as reported by the official release.

In alignment with the Prime Minister's vision, Mandaviya highlighted the necessity for SAI to enhance its talent scouting processes and establish a systematic approach for identifying athletes capable of reaching elite levels.

"Talent identification should occur in two phases: first, recognizing athletes excelling at state and district levels, followed by evaluating their potential to determine if they have the fitness, passion, and dedication to advance further," he explained.

He emphasized that talent scouting should encompass the entire sports hierarchy, including schools, districts, and colleges, aiming to create a comprehensive talent database that can feed into sports schools and advanced training programs.

Enhancing the Training Ecosystem

Mandaviya also pointed out the necessity of establishing a public-private partnership (PPP) model to broaden the training ecosystem. This model would facilitate the channeling of athletes identified through local talent hunts to appropriate academies for specialized training.

He underscored the crucial role of the corporate sector in promoting sports development through increased corporate social responsibility (CSR) involvement. Such collaborations would enhance the country's training capabilities beyond government facilities and create a more extensive network of academies for emerging athletes.

Improving Coaching Standards

To bolster the coaching framework, the Governing Body sanctioned the formation of the National Coach Accreditation Board (NCAB). This board will play a vital role in the revamped Khelo India Scheme, offering a structured approach to coach accreditation and development.

Additionally, the Governing Body approved amendments to the recruitment rules for appointing Assistant Coaches (Pay Level-6) on a deputation basis within SAI.

Urgent Call for Progress

Dr. Mandaviya emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum in developing India's sports ecosystem, stating, "Numerous developments are underway, and we must sustain this pace, tripling our efforts to enhance our sports initiatives."

He noted that the increasing expectations from the government and the rising interest in sports among the populace necessitate an acceleration of efforts. "We must realize the new vision for the upcoming generation and ensure its continuity," Mandaviya concluded.