Modi announces nationwide talent hunt for 5-15-year-olds in Independence Day speech aiming at 2036 Olympics

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a nationwide talent identification programme in his Independence Day address at the Red Fort in New Delhi, setting a long-term goal tied to the 2036 Olympic Games. He said the initiative is part of a push to broaden India’s sporting base and increase participation across Olympic events.

In his speech, Modi reviewed recent progress in Indian sport and cited specific programmes and competitions as evidence of forward movement. "India is making space for itself in the world of sports. We hear our national anthem frequently and see our tri-colour going up very often. TOPS has achieved great success. Whether it is Khelo India Games, University Games, Beach Games, Winter Games, or sports training, sports medicine, sports nutrition, India is moving ahead at great pace," he said at the Red Fort. He added: "India's performance is improving, and we are strong contenders to become an Olympic host in 2036. We are hosting the CWG in 2030. There are about 40 disciplines in Olympics, with nearly 350 events. It is sad that we are not able to even compete in at least two thirds of these events because we are not even able to qualify."

Modi outlined clear participation targets for 2036 and announced the specific age group the talent hunt will target. "We have decided that in 2036, we should participate in at least three fourth events. We are launching a nationwide talent hunt for children aged 5 to 15 to identify prospects in every corner of the country. They will get special training to become world-class athletes," he said. The government described the talent hunt as a component of a broader effort to identify and develop athletes at a young age.

The announcement comes as India prepares to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad, Gujarat following a formal handover at the closing ceremony of the 2026 Glasgow Games. The government noted Ahmedabad will be only the second Indian city to stage the Commonwealth Games after New Delhi hosted the 2010 edition, and identified the Narendra Modi Stadium complex among the major venues around which the Games will be centred.

Officials framed the 2030 Commonwealth Games as an opportunity to expand infrastructure and athlete pathways ahead of 2036. The event is expected to include major sporting disciplines alongside traditional Indian sports, aiming to strengthen the country’s medal prospects and to support talent identification and development.

Modi’s speech tied the new nationwide talent hunt to India’s wider Olympic ambitions and outlined a shift in emphasis toward early identification and sustained support for athletes. The government has set participation targets for 2036 and will use programmes such as the talent hunt and the 2030 Commonwealth Games to build a deeper pool of competitors.