New Delhi: The Indian Army hosted the highly anticipated “Army Sports Conclave” today, showcasing its pivotal role in India’s sporting ecosystem. As the nation eyes hosting the 2036 Olympics, the conclave served as a critical platform to align national efforts, with a focus on fostering collaboration among key stakeholders such as the Indian Olympics Association, the Sports Authority of India (SAI), and National Sports Federations. The event emphasized the importance of joint strategies to enhance India’s sporting aspirations on the global stage.
The Indian Armed Forces have a longstanding tradition of contributing to the country’s sporting success, particularly in prestigious international competitions such as the Asian Games and the Olympics. Recognizing the role of sports in promoting national pride, fitness, and international prestige, the Indian Army has been instrumental in nurturing athletes through its Mission Olympics Wing, which was established in 2001. Currently, 9,000 sportspersons are training at 28 different sports nodes under this initiative. Additionally, the Army collaborates with SAI through 18 Boys Sports Companies and two Girls Sports Companies to train young athletes between the ages of 9 and 16. A dedicated Paralympic Node has also been established to support disabled soldiers in Paralympic sports.
The event was graced by the presence of Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Hon’ble Minister of Labour and Employment & Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, and Colonel Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, AVSM (Retd), Hon’ble Minister of Industry & Commerce and Minister of Youth Affairs, Government of Rajasthan. General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff, also attended the event, underscoring the Army’s commitment to sports.
In his keynote address, Colonel Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore highlighted the government’s efforts to promote sports through the ‘Khelo India’ program. He outlined a vision for India to maximize its Olympic medal tally by 2036 and advocated for the creation of Centres of Excellence for sports across the country. He also commended the Indian Army for its significant contributions to promoting a sports culture, noting that the Army remains one of the top medal-winning entities in the nation.
Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, in his inaugural address, praised the Indian Army’s indispensable role in India’s sports ecosystem. He emphasized the need for a joint multi-agency effort to elevate sports in the country, discussing the formulation of both short-term and long-term strategies to nurture talent from the grassroots to the elite level, with the ultimate goal of achieving Olympic success.
The conclave featured valuable insights from former athletes and Olympians, including Anju Bobby George, Mary Kom, and Tarundeep Rai, who shared their personal experiences on excelling at the highest levels of competition. Their contributions underscored the importance of sports education, resource sharing, and the integration of sports science at the grassroots level. The conclave also focused on harnessing the talent of retired athletes and adopting a holistic approach that integrates both physical and mental preparation for aspiring Olympians.
Throughout the day, the conclave thoroughly explored strategies for harnessing India’s sports potential, with a special emphasis on future Olympics. Discussions centered on elevating technical standards and integrating a multi-pronged approach to achieve excellence in sports. Collaborative efforts involving the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Indian Army, SAI, and Sports Federations are expected to lead to the creation of a comprehensive roadmap to ensure India’s sporting success on the global stage.