India Eyes Olympic Host Dream, Top 10 Sporting Nation Goal: Mandaviya

Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, has emphasized that India must prepare itself to host the Olympic Games and secure a position among the world’s top 10 sporting nations within the next decade. His remarks echo the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has consistently stressed the importance of sports as a key driver of national pride and global recognition.

Mandaviya’s Call for Sporting Excellence

Speaking at the inauguration of the 2025 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships on Sunday, Mandaviya highlighted India’s growing presence on the international sporting stage. He noted that the country’s athletes have been making significant strides, but a long-term roadmap is essential to elevate India to the league of top sporting nations.

Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships 2025

The prestigious championship, currently being held at the newly built Veer Savarkar Sports Complex in the city’s Naranpura area, is a crucial event in the global sporting calendar.

• 291 athletes from 28 countries are competing in this high-stakes tournament.
• The event also serves as a qualifier for the 2026 Commonwealth Games scheduled to take place in Glasgow, Scotland.

Mandaviya underlined that hosting such international events in India not only boosts the morale of athletes but also strengthens the country’s readiness for mega sporting spectacles like the Olympics.

India’s Sporting Aspirations

India’s ambition to host the Olympics reflects its growing confidence in the sporting domain. Over the past decade, the country has invested heavily in sports infrastructure, training facilities, and athlete development programs.

According to Mandaviya, the next ten years will be pivotal. Achieving Olympic host status and ranking among the top 10 global sporting nations will require not only infrastructure development but also a focus on talent identification, grassroots participation, and international exposure.

Building a Sporting Legacy

The Union Minister’s statement comes at a time when sports are increasingly being linked to national identity and soft power. Hosting international events like the Commonwealth Championships positions India as a capable sporting destination, while also inspiring the next generation of athletes.

As India sets its sights on the Olympic dream, the vision is clear: to transform the nation into a global sporting powerhouse, with the infrastructure, talent, and determination to compete at the highest level.