The Indian Army on Monday hosted the much-anticipated Army Sports Conclave, highlighting the role of the force in boosting India’s sporting ecosystem. As India sets its sights on hosting the 2036 Olympics, the Army Sports Conclave serves as a crucial platform to align efforts and contribute to this national mission.

The conclave, with an emphasis on fostering collaboration with various national stakeholders, stressed the importance of drawing up collaborative strategies with the Indian Olympics Association, the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and National Sports Federations to enhance India’s global sporting aspirations.

Present at the event were Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of Labour and Employment & Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Colonel Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, AVSM (Retd), Minister of Industry & Commerce and Minister of Youth Affairs, Government of Rajasthan, as well as General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff.

In his keynote address, Rathore highlighted the government’s initiatives to bolster sports, notably through the Khelo India programme. He outlined a vision for India to achieve maximum Olympic medals by 2036, advocating for the creation of Centres of Excellence for sports. He also acknowledged the Indian Army’s contribution to promoting sports culture and mentioned that the Indian Army emerges as one of the top medal-winning entities in the nation.

“Khelo India is at the same level as American college games and competitions. Just as a top athlete needs managers, PM Modi and his government are providing ‘client services’ to top players while targeting the Olympic podium, including training, expenses, communication with federations, coach support, sports science, and more,” he added.

In the inaugural address, Mandaviya praised the Indian Army for its indispensable contribution to India’s sports ecosystem. He highlighted the necessity of a joint multi-agency effort to promote sports across the country. The minister also discussed the creation of a comprehensive roadmap for success in the Olympics, which includes both short-term five-year plans and long-term 25-year strategies to nurture talent from grassroots to elite levels.