India's soft power will grow with the rise of a sports culture: Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi has stated that India’s soft power will grow with the development of a sports culture. Speaking at the inauguration of the Khelo India Youth Games, he highlighted the government’s focus on modernising sports infrastructure with the goal of hosting the 2036 Olympic Games. A significant portion of the Rs. 4,000 crore (US$ 474 million) sports budget for the year is being allocated to this purpose. India has submitted a Letter of Intent to the International Olympic Committee to host the Games and is competing with countries such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, South Korea, Indonesia and Chile for the hosting rights. The sports budget has increased more than threefold in the past decade, with over 1,000 Khelo India centres now operating across the country, including more than three dozen in Bihar.
The Khelo India Youth Games will be held across five cities in Bihar from May 4 to 15, 2025 with New Delhi also hosting a few events. More than 6,000 athletes will compete in 27 medal sports for 284 gold medals. The maximum number of gold medals will be awarded in swimming, athletics, wrestling, weightlifting and boxing. Hosts Bihar will have 450 athletes participating, while Maharashtra, aiming for a hat-trick of titles, will field more than 400 athletes. Haryana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu will also have strong contingents. The Games provide an opportunity for young athletes to experience national-level competition and learn from one another.

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