Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to interact with young athletes and youth leaders from across India through the Khelo India Dialogue – Khel Ki Baat, PM Modi Ke Saath programme.

The large-scale youth engagement initiative will be conducted virtually across more than 1,500 educational institutions to mark National Sports Day 2026. The programme will bring together young athletes, students, policymakers and prominent sportspersons to discuss India's sporting future.

Khelo India Dialogue to Connect Youth Across India

The programme will provide young participants with an opportunity to hear directly from the Prime Minister and discuss issues related to sports, youth development and leadership.

Following Modi's virtual address, participating institutions will organise physical programmes and discussions.

Institutions taking part include IITs, IIMs, AIIMS and leading universities and medical colleges across the country.

Four Major Areas of Focus

The Khelo India Dialogue will focus on four major areas linked to India's long-term sporting development.

The first priority is strengthening grassroots sports infrastructure so that young athletes can access better facilities closer to their communities.

The programme will also focus on expanding coaching and competitive opportunities for emerging players.

Another key area will be identifying and developing sporting talent with a long-term focus on India's Olympic ambitions, including preparations linked to the 2036 Olympics.

Youth participation in governance and leadership will form the fourth major area of discussion.

Focus on Grassroots Talent Development

Talent identification is expected to remain an important part of India's sports strategy.

The programme aims to create stronger pathways for young athletes, allowing promising players to progress from grassroots competitions to national and international levels.

Scientific methods of talent identification, athlete development and improved training systems are expected to receive greater attention as India seeks to strengthen its presence across Olympic disciplines.

Young Athletes to Interact With Sporting Legends

A special feature of the programme will be interaction between young participants and some of India's leading athletes and medal winners.

Sporting personalities including Dipa Karmakar, Saina Nehwal, Gagan Narang, Sreejesh, Mary Kom, Baichung Bhutia, Pullela Gopichand, Anju Bobby George, Karnam Malleswari, Mirabai Chanu and P.T. Usha are expected to share their experiences.

The athletes will discuss their sporting journeys, challenges and lessons learned during their careers.

Their participation is intended to give young athletes practical inspiration and a better understanding of what it takes to compete at the highest level.

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Political Leaders to Join Discussions

Members of Parliament, MLAs, Union ministers, state ministers and sports ministers will also participate in programmes at different locations.

They will engage with young participants around the four key themes of the Khelo India Dialogue.

The discussions are expected to cover sports infrastructure, talent development, opportunities for athletes and the role of young people in leadership.

2036 Olympics Remain a Long-Term Goal

Talent development under the programme is linked to India's broader ambitions for the 2036 Olympics.

The focus is expected to be on developing athletes through a structured pathway beginning at the grassroots level and extending to elite international competition.

Better identification of sporting talent, scientific training methods and long-term athlete development could help India expand its participation across more Olympic disciplines.

Sports and Youth Development

The initiative also seeks to connect sports with wider youth development.

Participants will be encouraged to explore future skills, volunteering opportunities and leadership roles.

The broader objective is to ensure that young people remain involved in sports and nation-building beyond a single event or celebration.

Youth Participation to Continue After National Sports Day

Organisers plan to continue engaging participants after National Sports Day.

Young people will be encouraged to participate in the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue quiz and register through the My Bharat platform.

The continued engagement is aimed at giving young people additional opportunities to participate in discussions and activities connected with India's development.

India Seeks Stronger Sporting Ecosystem

Khelo India Dialogue is part of wider efforts to strengthen India's sporting ecosystem and increase youth participation.

By connecting athletes, educational institutions, policymakers and sporting legends, the initiative aims to create a broader platform for discussing the challenges and opportunities facing Indian sports.

The focus on grassroots development and Olympic talent could play an important role in shaping India's future sporting pipeline.