PM to interact with young athletes on sports, youth leadership and Viksit Bharat
New Delhi : To mark National Sports Day 2026, the Government of India will organise a nationwide youth engagement programme, “Khelo India Dialogue – Khel Ki Baat, Pradhan Mantri Modi Ke Saath,” on August 27, bringing together young athletes, students, sportspersons and policymakers at more than 1,500 locations across the country.
The initiative will provide young and aspiring athletes a platform to share their ideas, suggestions and innovative thoughts on the future of India’s sports and youth ecosystem.
Educational institutions including IITs, IIMs, NITs, AIIMS, leading medical colleges and universities will participate in the programme.
The programme will feature a virtual address by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Physical programmes will begin simultaneously across participating institutions following the Prime Minister’s address.
The initiative aims to strengthen the connection between the aspirations and ground-level experiences of young people and the policymaking process.
Participants will deliberate on four key themes: strengthening the sports ecosystem through better grassroots facilities, coaching and opportunities; nurturing sporting talent with a focus on the 2036 Olympics through scientific talent identification and athlete development; enhancing youth leadership and participation in governance; and equipping young people with future-ready skills, volunteering opportunities and avenues for nation-building.
A major feature of the programme will be direct interaction between youth interested in sports and leading Indian athletes and medal winners.
Prominent 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, along with prominent cricketers, will engage with young participants and share their sporting journeys, challenges and experiences.
The initiative will also bring elected representatives and policymakers into direct interaction with youth. Members of Parliament, Members of Legislative Assemblies, Union Ministers, Ministers of State and State Sports Ministers will participate and seek suggestions from young people on the four identified themes.
The programme will also feature the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue Quiz and encourage participants to register on the MY Bharat Portal, providing an avenue for continued youth engagement beyond the one-day programme.
The initiative seeks to reinforce the idea that India’s sporting transformation is ultimately powered by its young population. By bringing together youth aspirations, sporting experiences and policy perspectives, the programme aims to provide young people with a meaningful role in shaping the future of sports and youth development in the country.
