New Delhi, December 16, 2025 : India has the largest youth population in the world. To involve youth as active partners in nation-building, the Central Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has introduced several initiatives. From promoting fitness in schools to preparing athletes for the Olympics, the government is making continuous efforts to nurture young talent. As part of *Make in India*, sports equipment manufacturing is being encouraged. To increase the number of medals won in sports, train athletes, and provide them with financial support, initiatives such as the *Fit India Movement* have been launched.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is working towards hosting the Olympic Games in India in 2036. At the same time, traditional sports are also being promoted. That is why *Khelo India* programmes are being conducted in 792 districts across the country. Talented sportspersons are being identified in rural areas, provided proper training, and supported for international recognition through an eight-year Athlete Development Programme. An amount of ₹6.28 lakh per athlete per year is being spent on this programme.
To instill a culture of fitness among youth, the *Fit India Movement* was launched. More than 5 lakh schools have registered under this initiative, and *Fit India Week* is being observed in 3.57 lakh schools. Efforts are being made to involve not only students but all sections of society. Under the *Sunday on Cycle* programme, 15.84 lakh people participated across 1.4 lakh locations. This initiative was appreciated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in the 128th episode of *Mann Ki Baat*.
Since 2014, para-athletes have been encouraged through the *Target Olympic Podium Scheme*, resulting in an increase in medals for the country. Neeraj Chopra won India’s first medal at the Tokyo Olympics 2020. At the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games, India won 29 medals. To prepare youth for 2036, the Ministry of Sports is working intensively. Through the *Target Asian Games Group Scheme*, steps are being taken to increase medal tallies at the Asian Games. Earlier, sports infrastructure did not receive adequate attention, but since 2014, about 350 projects worth nearly ₹3,181 crore have been undertaken. To enhance transparency and accountability in the sports system, the *National Sports Governance Act* was introduced in 2025.
The National Youth Policy introduced in 2014 did not provide adequate encouragement to youth. However, with the objective of shaping youth into innovators and leaders, a new draft of the National Youth Policy has been introduced. Under the *One Corporate–One Sport* CSR model, youth are being trained in sports with the support of private institutions.
For the past 11 years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been striving to include all sections of society in building a *Viksit Bharat* (Developed India). On 31 October, on the occasion of National Unity Day, the *Mera Yuva Bharat* platform was launched at Kartavya Path. Around 2.06 crore youth have registered on this platform.
Through the NSS programme, several service activities are being carried out across the country, involving nearly 40 lakh volunteers. They are spreading awareness on various issues and actively participating in development initiatives. About 19,000 schools and 11,000 colleges are part of this programme.
Prime Minister Modi believes that the development of the nation is possible only through the inclusive growth of all sections—poor, youth, farmers, and women—and that this will lead India towards becoming a *Viksit Bharat*. People from all sections of society, especially the youth, have strong faith in the Central Government under his leadership.
