Bhubaneswar: Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, the 14th person to hold this prestigious portfolio, has unveiled India’s bold vision to become one of the top five sporting nations in the world by 2047, coinciding with the centenary of Indian independence. Speaking at the inauguration of the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships in Ahmedabad, Mandaviya highlighted how Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership has catalyzed the transformation of the country’s sports ecosystem.
Mandaviya emphasized several key reforms fueling this vision. The Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) is ensuring elite athletes receive world-class exposure and support. The newly introduced Sports Policy aims to empower sports science, build infrastructure, and promote accessibility and good governance. Another landmark is the Sports Governance Bill, designed to increase transparency, promote athlete welfare, and enhance women’s representation in national sports federations.
Interesting to note, India has already set its sights on hosting the 2036 Olympics, a stepping stone toward this grand aspiration. Mandaviya’s vision links sports development with national progress, citing initiatives like Khelo India and Fit India, which nurture fitness and grassroots participation. The Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships itself is a testament to India’s readiness to host international events, drawing 291 athletes from 30 countries.
With a demographic dividend counted as the country’s capital, Mandaviya believes this strategic blend of policy, talent nurturing, and cultural focus will unlock India’s potential to not only compete but dominate on the global sports stage by 2047 — a milestone that mirrors India’s rise as a developed nation.
As Mandaviya aptly put it, “There is no bigger classroom than the sporting arena, and no greater teacher than sports.” This encapsulates the minister’s and the nation’s resolve to turn dreams into medals and aspirations into achievements.
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