PM Narendra Modi Calls For Greater Indian Participation In Olympics During Khelo India Dialogue

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday interacted virtually with youth and sportspersons at more than 1,500 places across the country. During this, he enumerated the priorities of his government regarding the sports future of India and said that the country will have to move towards increasing participation in more and more sports in the Olympics.

The Prime Minister said that the sports vision that he had presented before the country on August 15 is not limited to just winning more medals but is a comprehensive campaign to build a developed India and strengthen the sports power of the country.

What did the PM say on increasing India's participation in the Olympics?

The Prime Minister said that at present there are more than 20 sports in the Olympics in which India has not participated. He stressed that in the coming times, the presence of Indian players will have to be increased in these games also. For this, there is a need to focus on providing better opportunities, training and necessary facilities to the players.

What message did PM Modi give by 'Jo Khele, Wo Khile'?

Modi said the importance of sports was not limited to just victory and defeat. He said that he always says, 'Whoever plays, he blossoms.' According to the Prime Minister, along with performing on the field, sports are also a medium to enhance the personality of a person and increase the pride of the country. He called upon the youth to make sports an important part of life.

Khelo India has become a wonderful platform for nurturing sporting talent across the country. It is providing young athletes with opportunities and support to pursue their dreams.@kheloindia
https://t.co/hj8qEJRj09

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 27, 2026

What did Sports Minister Mandaviya say about the change?

In the programme, Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said that the change in the country has not been limited to stadiums only, but there has also been a change in the thinking of the people. He said that on one hand there are players who have taken the tricolour to the world stage, while on the other hand there are a large number of young players who are dreaming of taking the country's flag to the podium.

Under which campaign was the communication held with the players?

This programme was organised under the ‘Khelo India Samvad-Khel ki Baat, PM ke Saath’ campaign of the Sports Ministry. Its objective is to connect the youth and players with the sports journey of the country and promote their participation in sports. Indian Olympic Association President PT Usha and current and former international players also participated in the programme.

Which legendary players participated in the programme?

Many renowned players including Manika Batra, Dipa Karmakar, Saina Nehwal, Gagan Narang, Sreejesh, Mary Kom, Baichung Bhutia, Pullela Gopichand, Anju Bobby George, Karnam Malleswari and Mirabai Chanu participated in the dialogue. The presence of these players made the programme special and inspired the youth to move forward in sports.

Had PM Modi met Commonwealth medal winners before also?

Before this dialogue, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had met the Indian players who won medals in the Commonwealth Games on August 9. He had also shared a reel of pictures and videos of that meeting with the players on Instagram. This time the prime minister interacted with the players and youth through virtual medium instead of face to face.