Government to Launch App for Identifying Young Sports Talent

New Initiative to Discover Young Athletes

New Delhi, June 20: The government is set to introduce a new mobile application aimed at harnessing the untapped sports talent of young children, inspired by numerous uplifting viral videos on social media that highlight their skills in sports such as cricket, athletics, and archery.

This innovative platform will allow individuals to upload videos showcasing talented children from their local communities, including schools and rural areas, across various sports disciplines.

According to sources from the ministry, this initiative reflects a commitment to identifying talent and fostering public involvement in uncovering the next generation of sports stars from all regions of the country.

Designed to promote fairness and inclusivity, this tech-driven initiative aims to ensure that no aspiring champion is overlooked due to insufficient resources or opportunities.

The videos submitted will be assessed by zonal talent selection committees operating under the Khelo India framework, which will consist of expert coaches, former athletes, and sports scientists.

Young athletes identified through this platform will gain entry into Khelo India Centres, where they will receive comprehensive training, sports science support, nutritional advice, and mentorship.

This initiative is a significant move towards establishing a robust pipeline of sports talent for the 2036 Olympics and other prominent international sporting events, focusing on early talent identification and systematic development.

This effort aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of positioning India as a global sports powerhouse and fostering a dynamic sports culture nationwide.

In 2018, the revamped 'Khelo India – National Programme for Development of Sports' introduced a specific vertical for 'Talent Identification and Development.'