New Delhi: On Wednesday, September 17, 2025, India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, is celebrating his 75th birthday. Since assuming office in 2014, PM Modi has played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s sporting landscape with special focus on nurturing and investing in the young talent in the country.
The rise of India’s sports profile in the last decade is not a coincidence. The nation has undergone a transformative change fuelled by institutional reforms, grassroots development, investment in talent and infrastructure. These changes have brought a tectonic shift in the sporting landscape in the country, which has witnessed a revolution, seen in both on-ground policies and performances of the athletes.
In one of the biggest sporting reforms, the government tabled the National Sports Bill, which was later cleared by the Parliament, aimed to reshape the country’s sporting landscape.
Here’s how PM Modi has made a significant impact
Khelo India Games
PM Modi helped tap into the abundant talent waiting to be discovered in India by launching the Khelo India program in 2018. The landmark initiative was launched with an aim to revive sporting culture at the grassroots level and facilitate talent spotting across the nation.
Players like Lakshya Sen, one of the best shuttlers in the world, emerged through the Khelo India games. Khelo India also unearthed gems like shooters Mehuli Ghosh, Manu Bhaker, and Saurabh Chaudhary.
Target Olympic Podium Scheme
The Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) is another program that has helped the Indian athletes immensely. Tailored to prepare future medal hopefuls for the big stage, TOPS has benefitted the likes of Neeraj Chopra and Mary Kom, among other athletes, over the years.
Before 2014, governments recognised sportspersons, but Modi took it a notch further by engaging with the athletes both in person and on social media.
Best-ever medal haul at Tokyo Olympics
India’s best-ever display at the Olympic Games came in the Tokyo 2020 Games, where they won a total of seven medals, including one gold, two silver, and four bronze medals. Getting the best possible facilities, infrastructure and sensational performances was one of the main factors behind Indian athletes’ superb performance.
Neeraj Chopra’s gold medal victory capped off a remarkable campaign for India. The Paralympic contingent also scripted history by winning 19 medals.
Investement in Infra
The government has paid a lot of attention to investments in sports infrastructure, especially at the grassroots level, to build a foundation for long-term success, and a rise in the budgetary allocation for Youth Affairs and Sports is the biggest example of the PM Modi-led government’s commitment towards sports in the country.
Investment towards creating top-notch sporting infrastructure, including upgradation of stadiums, developement of world-class facilities, and facilitating access to sports equipment in schools and colleges nationwide, has also helped the country’s sports culture immensely.