To celebrate the National Sports Day 2026, the nation is set to witness a large-scale youth engagement initiative, “Khelo India Dialogue – Khel Ki Baat, Pradhan Mantri Modi Ke Saath”, on 27 August 2026, bringing together young people, athletes and educational institutions at more than 1,500 locations across the country.

The nationwide initiative will create a direct platform for young budding athletes to share their ideas, suggestions and innovative thoughts on the future of India’s sports and youth ecosystem. IITs, IIMs, NITs, AIIMS, leading medical colleges and universities will be among the educational institutions participating in the programme.

The programme will feature a virtual address by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Following the Prime Minister’s address, physical programmes will commence simultaneously across the participating locations.

The programme seeks to strengthen the connection between the aspirations and ground-level experiences of young people and policymaking. Youth participants will engage around four key themes: strengthening the sports ecosystem and expanding grassroots facilities, coaching and opportunities; nurturing talent for the 2036 Olympics through scientific talent identification and athlete development; enhancing youth leadership and participation in governance; and empowering young people with future-ready skills, volunteering and nation-building opportunities.

A major feature of the initiative will be direct interaction between youth having interest in sports and leading Indian athletes and medal winners. Prominent sportspersons including Deepa Karmakar, Saina Nehwal, Gagan Narang, Sreejesh, Mary Kom, Baichung Bhutia, Gopichand, Anju Bobby George, Karnam Malleswari, Mirabai Chanu and P.T. Usha, along with prominent cricketers, will engage with youth and share their sporting journeys, challenges, and experiences.

The participation will extend beyond athletes, with Members of Parliament, Members of Legislative Assemblies, Union Ministers, Ministers of State and State Sports Ministers engaging with young people and seeking their ideas and suggestions on the four identified themes.

The initiative will also feature the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue Quiz and encourage young participants to register on the MY Bharat Portal, creating an avenue for sustained youth engagement beyond the one-day programme.

“Khelo India Dialogue – Khel Ki Baat, Pradhan Mantri Modi Ke Saath” seeks to reinforce the idea that India’s sporting transformation is ultimately powered by its young people. By bringing youth aspirations, sporting experiences and policy perspectives onto a common platform, the initiative aims to give youth a meaningful voice in shaping the future of sports and youth development in the country.

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Pawan Singh Faujdar / Ayushman Kumar