India Targets Top 5 Sporting Nations by 2047, Says Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya

India has set an ambitious vision for the future of sports, aiming to secure its place among the top five sporting nations by 2047, which will mark the centenary of the country’s independence. Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, speaking at the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships, highlighted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the nation has already witnessed transformative reforms in the sports ecosystem.

Mandaviya emphasized that India has made significant strides in athletics and games, with policies and schemes designed to support athletes at all levels. He reiterated that the government is committed to building a strong sporting culture that can propel India to global recognition in the coming decades.

India aims to be among top 5 sporting nations by 2047 through strong ecosystem

The Sports Minister noted that Prime Minister Modi has already envisioned India’s place in the global sports arena. “The Prime Minister has set a target for India to be among the top 10 nations in the next decade. We have officially placed our bid to host the 2036 Olympics. By 2047, during the celebration of 100 years of independence, the goal is to ensure India becomes one of the top five sporting nations of the world,” Mandaviya stated.

He also spoke about the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), which provides international exposure, financial assistance, and modern training facilities to elite athletes. This initiative, he added, ensures that India’s top sports personalities receive the best possible support to achieve excellence.

Sports Policy to strengthen India’s path to top 5 sporting nations

Mandaviya explained that the government has introduced a comprehensive Sports Policy aimed at creating opportunities and building infrastructure. The policy focuses on advancing sports science, expanding access to sports at the grassroots level, and ensuring robust governance in national federations.

According to the minister, these reforms will not only encourage young athletes to pursue careers in sports but will also make India’s sports system more transparent and effective. He highlighted that fostering a dedicated sports ecosystem will be the foundation of India’s journey towards joining the elite club of global sporting powers.

Sports Governance Bill ensures athlete-centric reforms

Speaking on legislative measures, the minister pointed out that the recently introduced Sports Governance Bill is designed to prioritize athletes’ welfare. This bill gives importance to gender representation, particularly by increasing women’s participation in National Sports Federations. Such inclusivity, he said, is vital for creating a fair and modern sports administration system.

Mandaviya further encouraged athletes participating in the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships, calling their efforts a source of national pride. He stressed that sporting achievements are not just about winning medals but also about strengthening the identity and power of the nation.

India hosts Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships with global recognition

The grand inauguration of the 2025 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships in Ahmedabad was attended by global dignitaries, including International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) president Mohammed Hasan Jalood, Commonwealth Weightlifting Federation chief, and Indian Weightlifting Federation president Sahdev Yadav.

IWF chief Jalood praised India’s exceptional preparations, infrastructure, and organization, calling the event “a significant milestone” in the country’s sports journey. The hosting of such international tournaments, Mandaviya said, is an indicator of India’s emerging strength as a sporting nation and its growing influence in global athletics.

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