Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday called upon the youth of Haryana to begin preparing for the 2036 Olympic Games, stressing the importance of identifying and nurturing sporting talent from an early age. Addressing a large gathering in Jind, Haryana, the Prime Minister said India is working towards becoming a major global sporting nation and that young athletes will play a crucial role in achieving that goal.
During his nearly 30-minute speech, Modi praised Haryana’s athletes for their remarkable achievements in national and international competitions. He said the state has consistently produced some of India’s finest sportspersons and continues to contribute significantly to the country’s sporting success.
The Prime Minister noted that India is preparing to host the Commonwealth Games in 2030 and is also making efforts to secure the hosting rights for the 2036 Olympic Games. With these ambitious goals in mind, he said the country must begin developing future champions today.
According to Modi, children between the ages of five and fifteen should receive special attention and support so they can be trained and guided towards competing at the highest levels of international sport in the coming years.
He encouraged athletes, coaches, parents and sports administrators to work together to create an environment where young talent can thrive and achieve excellence.
Highlighting Haryana’s contribution to Indian sports, Modi said the state has earned a special reputation for producing medal winners and athletes who have brought pride to the nation. From wrestling and boxing to athletics and hockey, Haryana’s sportspersons have consistently delivered strong performances on major international stages.
The Prime Minister said the country now has a unique opportunity to build on these successes and prepare for the future.
He stressed that developing Olympic-level athletes requires years of training, discipline and support. Therefore, identifying talented children at a young age is essential if India wants to perform strongly at future Olympic Games.
Modi said children who are currently in the age group of five to fifteen years could become India’s representatives at the 2036 Olympics if they receive proper guidance and training.
He assured that governments at both the state and central levels would continue investing in sports infrastructure, training facilities and athlete development programmes.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the role of the “double-engine government,” referring to BJP governments at both the Centre and state level. He said efforts are being made to improve facilities for athletes and create more opportunities for young people interested in sports.
According to him, transparent recruitment systems, modern training centres and better access to sports resources will help talented athletes reach their full potential.
Modi added that sports are no longer limited to physical fitness alone. They are increasingly becoming a source of employment, professional growth and international recognition for young Indians.
He said the sports sector offers numerous opportunities not only for athletes but also for coaches, trainers, sports scientists, physiotherapists and professionals working in related fields.
The Prime Minister expressed confidence that Haryana’s youth would continue to excel and make the nation proud in future international competitions.
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During his speech, Modi also spoke about India’s efforts to strengthen international cooperation in sports.
Referring to his recent visits to countries such as Australia and New Zealand, he said discussions were held on expanding sports partnerships and sharing expertise.
According to him, these collaborations will help Indian athletes gain greater exposure to global standards in training, sports science and performance management.
He explained that partnerships with countries that have strong sporting traditions can provide valuable opportunities for Indian athletes and coaches to learn from international best practices.
Such cooperation, he said, will benefit young sportspersons across the country, including those from Haryana.
Apart from sports, the Prime Minister also addressed the issue of cleanliness and civic responsibility.
He praised the Haryana government’s “Swachhta Se Swagat” campaign, which focused on cleanliness efforts ahead of his visit to Jind.
Modi said he had seen social media comments suggesting that he should visit Jind more often because the city appeared cleaner during such occasions.
Responding to those remarks, he urged residents to make cleanliness a daily habit rather than a temporary exercise carried out only before important visits.
The Prime Minister asked people to take pride in keeping their surroundings clean throughout the year.
According to him, cleanliness should be viewed as a collective responsibility that contributes to better health, quality of life and civic pride.
He emphasised that maintaining clean streets, public spaces and neighbourhoods requires active participation from citizens as well as local authorities.
The speech also included a personal and emotional connection with the people of Jind.
Modi recalled his visits to the city many years ago and spoke warmly about the affection he received from local residents.
He described Jind as a place rich in history, faith, courage and cultural heritage.
The Prime Minister fondly remembered some of the region’s famous food products, including Murrah buffalo milk, curd, ghee, boora and ghevar. He said these memories have remained fresh in his mind despite the passage of time.
In a light-hearted remark that drew applause from the audience, Modi said that while Jind’s famous ghee and ghevar may not have changed over the years, the attitude and confidence of its people certainly have.
The comment reflected his view that the region has progressed significantly and continues to move forward with ambition and determination.
Throughout his address, the Prime Minister sought to connect sports development, national aspirations and community participation into a broader vision for the future.
He encouraged young people to dream big, work hard and take advantage of the opportunities being created through investments in sports and infrastructure.
As India prepares for major sporting milestones in the coming decade, Modi’s message focused on long-term planning, youth development and collective effort.
For Haryana, a state already known for producing some of the country’s top athletes, the Prime Minister’s call was clear: start preparing the next generation of champions now so they can carry India’s hopes onto the world stage at the 2036 Olympic Games and beyond.
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