India's big 2036 Olympic plan: Talent hunt begins

Absolutely, I think he (Ronjan Sodhi) is right. The Sports Authority of India is actively working on this (formulating the plans) along with the National Sports Federations (NSFs).

IOA will ensure the NSFs have the necessary support. I think pressure has increased, definitely, but pressure is a privilege.

What Happened

I think we're all in a privileged position to have this pressure, and that pressure comes from India's massive aspiration. He also pointed out that both the public and private sectors have come together to significantly support sports, particularly with the Olympics.

• With the country's ambitious target of winning 30-40 medals at the 2036 Olympics putting the spotlight on the need for a robust talent pipeline, Indian Olympic Association CEO Raghuram Iyer on Wednesday said a.

• Former Asian Games gold medallist Ronjan Sodhi recently sounded a note of caution, saying India was running short of time to identify potential medallists for the 2036 Games and needed to urgently address gaps.

• There will be a massive talent hunt across all districts of India, targeting the 5 to 15 years age category, because those are the people who will be competing in 2036.

Key Details

You would have just seen the capital inflow coming into sport, whether from the government or the private sector, has increased tremendously. Overall, there is a sense of positivity regarding the sports industry.

• The IOA CEO, however, admitted that targeting 30 to 40 medals at the 2036 Olympics, for which India is preparing to bid, has placed tremendous pressure on the apex body of Indian sport.

• Overall, I think I'm happy not only about cricket being a part of it but also about all the other sports picking up, and India punching above its weight in some of those other.

• India is a firm favourite to win gold at the Asian Games and the Olympics, everywhere.

Why It Matters

Praising India's performance at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, which concluded earlier this month, Iyer said the showing gave the country reason to be optimistic and aspire for bigger achievements in future multi-sport events. It's been a heartening performance in boxing, weightlifting, athletics.

• Iyer, who has served as CEO of multiple IPL teams, said he was happy to see cricket included in the Asian Games and hoped India would win the gold medal.

• We've celebrated the Commonwealth success, and right now it is time to look ahead.

What Reports Say

Coverage of the story so far points to:

• Continued reporting by Rediff as more details emerge