New Delhi, Aug 2026 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi will interact with young athletes and youth leaders on Thursday as part of the nationwide initiative ‘Khelo India Dialogue - Khel Ki Baat, Pradhan Mantri Modi Ke Saath’, being organised to mark National Sports Day 2026.
The large-scale programme will be conducted virtually across more than 1,500 educational institutions, bringing together aspiring sportspersons, students, policymakers and prominent athletes. The initiative is aimed at providing young participants with an opportunity to exchange ideas on strengthening India’s sporting ecosystem and expanding opportunities for the country’s youth.
Following the Prime Minister’s virtual address, participating institutions will organise physical programmes simultaneously at locations across the country. Several premier institutions, including IITs, IIMs, NITs, AIIMS, leading medical colleges and universities, are expected to participate in the nationwide engagement.
The programme will revolve around four key areas. These include strengthening grassroots sports infrastructure, improving coaching and competitive opportunities, identifying and nurturing sporting talent with the 2036 Olympics in mind, and encouraging greater youth participation in governance and leadership. It will also focus on equipping young people with future-ready skills, volunteering opportunities and avenues to contribute to nation-building.
A major attraction of the initiative will be direct interaction between young participants and some of India’s leading athletes and Olympic and international medal winners. Sportspersons including Deepa Karmakar, Saina Nehwal, Gagan Narang, Sreejesh, Mary Kom, Baichung Bhutia, Pullela Gopichand, Anju Bobby George, Karnam Malleswari, Mirabai Chanu and P.T. Usha are scheduled to engage with participants.
The athletes are expected to share their sporting journeys, experiences and challenges while discussing the opportunities and difficulties faced by young sportspersons. Their interactions are intended to motivate aspiring athletes and provide them with insights into the discipline, preparation and determination required to compete at the highest level.
The initiative will also bring elected representatives and policymakers into the dialogue. Members of Parliament, MLAs, Union Ministers, Ministers of State and State Sports Ministers will participate from different locations and engage with young people on the four identified themes.
Talent identification and development will receive particular attention in view of India’s long-term ambition to host the 2036 Olympic Games. Discussions are expected to examine scientific approaches to identifying promising athletes, strengthening athlete development programmes and creating clearer pathways for youngsters to progress from grassroots participation to elite-level competition.
The organisers also intend to ensure that the youth engagement continues beyond National Sports Day. Participants will be encouraged to take part in the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue Quiz and register on the MY Bharat Portal, providing them with further opportunities to participate in youth-focused initiatives.
By bringing together young athletes, students, policymakers, elected representatives and sporting icons, the programme seeks to give India’s youth a greater voice in shaping the country’s sporting future. It also aims to strengthen the connection between grassroots participation, elite sports development and broader youth-led nation-building efforts.
