Indian Army Hosts Army Sports Conclave: Aiming for Olympic Excellence by 2036

In his keynote address, Colonel Rathore emphasized the government's initiatives to strengthen sports, particularly through the Khelo India program.

The Indian Army hosted the much-anticipated “Army Sports Conclave” today, focusing on its pivotal role in shaping India's sporting landscape as the nation gears up to host the 2036 Olympics. The conclave provided a crucial platform for aligning efforts with various stakeholders to contribute effectively to this national mission. It emphasized the importance of developing collaborative strategies with the Indian Olympic Association, the Sports Authority of India (SAI), and National Sports Federations to elevate India’s global sporting ambitions.

Celebrating the Armed Forces' Contribution to Sports

With a rich tradition of promoting sports, the Indian Armed Forces have significantly contributed to the country’s achievements in prestigious international competitions like the Asian Games and the Olympics. Recognizing the essential role of sports in fostering national pride, fitness, and international prestige, the Armed Forces have consistently invested in nurturing talent. The Indian Army’s Mission Olympics Wing, established in 2001, currently trains 9,000 sportspersons across 28 different sports nodes. Collaborating with SAI, it operates 18 Boys Sports Companies and two Girls Sports Companies to cultivate young talent from ages 9 to 16. Additionally, a Paralympic Node has been created to train and motivate disabled soldiers for Paralympic sports. Through specialized training regimes and robust infrastructure, the Army has supported numerous athletes who have excelled on global platforms.

Distinguished Guests and Keynote Address

The conclave was honoured by the presence of Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Hon’ble Minister of Labour and Employment & Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports; Colonel Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, AVSM (Retd.), Hon’ble Minister of Industry & Commerce and Minister of Youth Affairs, Government of Rajasthan; and General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff.

In his keynote address, Colonel Rathore emphasized the government's initiatives to strengthen sports, particularly through the Khelo India program. He articulated a vision for India to maximize Olympic medal count by 2036, advocating for the establishment of Centres of Excellence for sports. He acknowledged the Indian Army’s significant contribution to promoting sports culture and its status as one of the top medal-winning entities in the nation.

Roadmap for Olympic SuccessIn his inaugural address, Dr Mandaviya praised the Indian Army's indispensable role in enhancing India’s sports ecosystem. He underscored the need for a joint multi-agency effort to promote sports nationwide, discussing the creation of a comprehensive roadmap for Olympic success that incorporates both short-term five-year plans and long-term 25-year strategies to nurture talent from grassroots to elite levels.

Insights from Olympians

The conclave featured valuable insights from former athletes and Olympians, including Anju Bobby George, Mary Kom, and Tarundeep Rai, who shared their experiences and perspectives on excelling at the highest levels of sports. The discussions highlighted the necessity of sports education, resource sharing at the national level, and the implementation of best practices across the sports ecosystem. Key topics included the integration of sports science at the grassroots level, leveraging the expertise of retired athletes, and a tailored approach that addresses both physical and mental preparation for athletes aspiring to compete in the 2036 Olympics.

Focusing on Future Olympic Strategies

The conclave explored strategies for maximizing India’s sports potential with an emphasis on achieving excellence at future Olympics. A collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Indian Army, Sports Authority of India, Sports Federation of India, and other stakeholders led to the formulation of a comprehensive roadmap aimed at ensuring India's success on the global stage.

Through collective discussions, the conclave laid a solid foundation for actionable steps that will guide India’s journey toward Olympic success, reinforcing the commitment to elevate technical standards and enhance the overall sports culture in the country.