Union Home Minister Amit Shah has underlined the government’s sustained focus on sports over the past decade, highlighting a nearly fivefold increase in the sports budget, a structured athlete support programme, and detailed plans aimed at transforming India into a top sporting nation by the 2036 Olympics Games.
Speaking in New Delhi while honouring the Indian contingent of the 21st World Police and Fire Games, Shah stated,
“In the last 10 years, sports have been given a lot of importance. The government has increased its budget five times. The government is also preparing for the 2036 Olympic Games and is giving assistance of ₹50,000 per month to about 3,000 players, and is also making a detailed, systematic plan for this.”
This statement aligns with verified figures: according to official budget documents, India’s annual sports budget has surged from roughly ₹800–1,000 crore in 2013–14 to around ₹3,794 crore in 2025–26 an increase of nearly five times. This reflects one of the most significant periods of sustained government investment in Indian sports.
Investing in Athletes: Over 3,000 Sportspersons Receive Direct Support
A key element of India’s preparation for the 2036 Olympics is the Out of Pocket Allowance (OPA) programme, which provides monthly assistance of ₹50,000 to over 3,000 core athletes. This is delivered under flagship schemes like Khelo India and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS). These initiatives aim to ensure India’s elite athletes have consistent financial support for training, nutrition, and recovery addressing long-standing challenges that once forced many talented athletes to compromise their careers due to lack of resources.
Beyond direct allowances, Shah also highlighted new investments in sports infrastructure and athlete development:
“We have worked a lot to build new sports infrastructure Selecting a child at the right age and starting training is now happening in a scientific way.”
This approach reflects the strategy under the recently announced National Sports Policy 2025, which places special emphasis on sports science, early talent identification, and structured pathways from grassroots to elite levels.
Vision 2036 Olympics : Preparing to Host and Compete
India has already formally submitted a bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games, proposing Ahmedabad as the host city. While the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has currently paused the selection process, the Indian government continues to frame the 2036 Olympics as a defining national goal both as a potential host and as a serious medal contender.
Shah’s remarks captured this dual ambition. He stated,
“When the Olympics will be played in India in 2036, India will be at the level of 1 to 5 in the world.”
This reflects a confidence built not just on numbers, but on a decade of progress: improved athlete performances, record medal hauls in Asian and Commonwealth Games, and historic breakthroughs like Neeraj Chopra’s Olympic gold in javelin.
Beyond Medals: Sustainability and Careers After Sport
Importantly, Shah also spoke about long-term sustainability in sports and the need to create opportunities beyond active competition:
“When you stop playing professionally, the Indian government is doing its job to generate immense opportunities for the coach.”
This approach aims to ensure athletes can transition into roles as coaches, mentors, or administrators — preserving talent within the sports ecosystem and inspiring the next generation.
In the past, India’s sports journey has often been hindered by inconsistent policies, limited funding, and gaps in grassroots development. However, data and current policy shifts suggest a clearer, more systematic effort.
✅ Budget growth: From ~₹800–1,000 crore (2013–14) to ₹3,794 crore (2025–26).
✅ Direct athlete support: ₹50,000 per month to 3,000+ athletes via Khelo India & TOPS.
✅ 2036 vision: Bid submitted with Ahmedabad as proposed host city.
✅ Strategic planning: National Sports Policy 2025 focusing on infrastructure, talent ID, sports science, and post-retirement opportunities.
These combined steps illustrate why claims of a fivefold budget increase and structured Olympic preparation as mentioned by the Home Minister hold true.
As India sets its sights on the 2036 Olympics, the next decade will test how this investment translates into podium finishes and sustainable sporting excellence. What is clear, however, is that sport now occupies a central place in national planning in a way that was rarely seen before.
For thousands of young Indian athletes dreaming of the Games, the message is clear: there has never been a better time to aim for the Olympic podium.
