Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that the Indian government is providing ₹50,000 per month to 3,000 athletes to prepare for the 2036 Olympics, with the aim of securing a spot among the top five nations in the medal tally. Shah made this announcement at an event in New Delhi where he felicitated the Indian contingent that participated in the 21st World Police and Fire Games (WPFG) 2025 in Birmingham, Alabama. He lauded the team's performance and contribution to the nation.
Shah highlighted the Modi government's commitment to promoting sports, noting that the sports budget has increased fivefold in the last decade. He stated that the government is creating a detailed and systematic plan to groom Olympic-level talent, with financial support to athletes as a key component. He also mentioned the government's efforts to bring sports to every village, including scientific selection and training for children across various sports.
In addition to bidding for the 2036 Olympics, Shah noted that India has also submitted bids to host the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games. He emphasized that hosting these events aims to make sports a natural part of the lives of all citizens. He also encouraged police forces to incorporate sports into their routines to relieve stress and improve work quality.
The initiative to financially support athletes is part of a broader strategy that includes improving training facilities and providing global exposure. India is establishing training centers for 10 sports as part of the Olympic preparations and ensuring athletes participate in international leagues and training programs. This includes sending athletes to European leagues, joint training programs with other countries, and specialized shooting camps.
Furthermore, the government is focusing on the mental well-being of athletes by providing access to sports psychologists and mindset coaches. Techniques such as breathwork, VR simulations, and gratitude journaling are being incorporated into training regimens to help athletes manage pressure and build confidence.
India is expected to send its largest-ever team to the Paris 2025 Olympics, with over 130 athletes across more than 20 disciplines. The goal is to double the medal tally from the Tokyo 2021 Olympics and win the first Olympic gold in athletics. Athletes are utilizing cutting-edge technology such as AI performance analysis, altitude simulation, and recovery science to gain a competitive edge. Apps like FitEdge and AI-Coach360 are used to track performance metrics, while cryo chambers and nutrition AI aid in recovery.
