Ahmedabad: India has set a long-term, high-impact goal to be among the top five sporting nations in the world by 2047, coinciding with the country’s 100th year of independence. Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya described it as a national mission to transform India into a global sporting force. “We are committed to building a world-class sporting ecosystem—one that produces champions and unites the nation,” Mandaviya said during the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships in Ahmedabad.
The Sports Minister outlined a phased roadmap to achieve this vision. The first phase aims for India to enter the top 10 sporting nations by 2036, the same year the country is bidding to host the Olympic Games. The second phase targets a rise into the top five by 2047. Mandaviya emphasized that this timeline is not symbolic; it is actionable and supported by strong policy measures, investments, and infrastructure development.
Several initiatives are driving India’s transformation in sports. The Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) provides world-class training, coaching, and financial support to elite athletes, while Khelo India focuses on grassroots talent development and building sports infrastructure. The Fit India Movement promotes a national culture of fitness to strengthen the athletic base from the ground up. Recently, the government introduced a new Sports Governance Bill designed to bring greater transparency, accountability, and athlete-first governance to national sports federations. Mandaviya highlighted that the legislation ensures athletes are at the center of decision-making and increases women’s representation across sports bodies.
The Sports Minister also credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for embedding sports into the national development narrative. From increased budget allocations to international partnerships, Mandaviya said the government’s support has been unprecedented. “Good governance, professional coaching, and scientific training are the pillars of our vision,” he added.
India’s recent performances at the Olympics, Paralympics, and global championships have shown glimpses of its potential. With the 2047 vision backed by structured planning, policy reform, and strategic investment, India aims to move from a rising participant to a consistent medal-winning nation on the world stage.
