Govt preparing for 2036 Olympics; India to be among top 5 in medal tally: Amit Shah

Time of India

18-07-2025

Amit Shah (@AmitShahOffice on X via PTI Photo)
Union Home Minister
Amit Shah
expressed optimism about India's potential to rank among the top five medal-winning nations at the 2036 Olympics. The government is providing monthly assistance of Rs 50,000 to approximately 3,000 athletes as part of this preparation.
During a felicitation event for the Indian contingent participating in the 21st World Police and Fire Games-2025, Shah announced India's intention to bid for hosting the 2036 Olympic Games. The country has also submitted bids for the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.
The government aims to integrate sports into the daily lives of Indian citizens, including police and fire brigade personnel, through these international sporting events.
"A large number of new sports infrastructures have been developed. Under the TOPS (Target Olympic Podium Scheme), around 3,000 athletes are being supported with a monthly stipend of Rs 50,000 to prepare for the 2036 Olympic Games," Shah said, as quoted by PTI.
Sports has received significant attention under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership in the past decade. The Fit India Movement has enhanced athlete selection, leading to a threefold increase in Olympic, Paralympic, and Asian Games medals.
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"Victory and defeat are the eternal cycle of life and setting the goal to win, planning for victory should be everyone's nature and winning should be the habit. Those who cultivate the habit of winning always perform exceptionally," he added.
The Modi government is working to promote sports in every village, with scientific selection and training of children across age groups in various sports disciplines.
"If all police personnel develop a habit of regular sports, it will not only relieve stress, but also improve the quality of work."
Shah encouraged police forces under the All India Police Sports Control Board to aim for at least three medals each. This achievement would surpass their current record at the 2029 World Police and Fire Games in Gujarat.
"If we achieve this goal, the record you have set this year will be surpassed by you at the World Police and Fire Games to be held in Gujarat in 2029."
"Just as Arjuna could only see his target -- the eye of a bird -- similarly, all police officers and athletes connected to sports must aim for the World Police and Fire Games 2029 and move forward."
The 2029 games will be hosted across Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, and Kevadia. Shah expressed confidence in India's potential to rank among the top five medal-winning nations at the 2036 Olympics.
The proposed National Sports Bill includes provisions for recognising state-level police forces, enabling their participation in National Games as individual units.
The Union home ministry implemented several initiatives last year, including changes in recruitment rules for talent identification and formation of outdoor sports teams.
Shah congratulated the Indian contingent for winning 613 medals at the 21st World Police and Fire Games, praising their excellent performance and contribution to national pride.
"Sports should be an integral part of life. A child who does not play becomes discouraged by defeat, and a child who does not resolve to win after losing never develops the habit of winning."
"There is only one place to learn — the ground, the playing field — and it is on the playing field that the habit of accepting defeat and the passion to achieve victory are developed."
Shah emphasised that every police officer's daily routine should begin with a morning parade alongside subordinate staff and conclude with evening sports activities.
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