PM Modi Advocates for Enhanced Olympic Participation and Announces Talent Hunt
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the issue of India's limited participation in Olympic sports during a video conference with athletes. He pointed out that the country has historically not engaged in numerous Olympic events, highlighting the need to leverage India's geographical advantages for water and winter sports.
Modi noted that during the 2012 Olympics, India competed in only 13 sports and missed out on over 20 events. He emphasized the potential for growth in sports like surfing and sport climbing, given India's extensive coastline and mountainous terrain. The recent Commonwealth Games also reflected this issue, as India participated in only 10 sports while achieving fourth place overall.
To address this, Modi announced a nationwide talent hunt aimed at children aged five to 15, encouraging the identification and development of young athletes. He reiterated India's goal to host the 2036 Olympics and mentioned that the talent hunt would take place in villages, cities, and schools across the country.
