The army also joins in supporting the Olympics
The country's army hosted the Sports Conclave 2025 at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi this week, marking a significant moment in India's sporting evolution. The event highlighted its enduring commitment to developing champions and supporting the national vision of Olympic Mission 2036.
Delivering the welcome address, Director General Integrated Training, Ajay Ramdev, set the tone for the discussions, describing the gathering as a platform where 'purpose meets passion' in advancing India's sporting ambitions. He commended the Mission Olympic Wing and para-athletes for their achievements, highlighting the growing emphasis on scientific, data-driven and mentally conditioned training. He further stressed, "The army is ready to shoulder its role in building champions for India's Olympic Mission 2036," urging all stakeholders to work together to elevate the country's global sporting stature.
The Indian Army has been a key driver of the country's Olympic aspirations for decades. Established in 2001, the Mission Olympics Wing identifies and trains sporting talent, currently working with around 9,000 sportspersons across 28 dedicated sports nodes. The army also runs 18 boys' sports companies and two girls' sports organisations, targeting young talent aged 9–16, along with a dedicated Paralympic node for soldiers with disabilities, promoting excellence in para-sports.
Hari Ranjan Rao, secretary (Sports), in his address, praised the Indian Army's vital role in nurturing world-class athletes and promoting para and adventure sports that embody national pride. He highlighted key government initiatives such as the Target Olympic Podium Scheme, Khelo India Centres, and sports science integration, emphasising the importance of synergy among all stakeholders to realise India's Olympic aspirations for 2036 through inclusion, long-term planning and scientific excellence.
The Indian Army are helping to support India 2036. YOUTUBE DD INDIA
In his address, General Rakesh Kapoor, deputy chief of Army Staff (Information Systems & Training), reflected on the army's deep connection with sports, rooted in fitness, discipline and teamwork. "We have presented the roadmap to the Ministry of Sports, the sports minister, and it details what the army can bring to the table," he said, outlining the initiatives aimed at enhancing performance through scientific and data-driven methods.
The army has consistently contributed to India's Olympic contingents; in Paris 2024, it supplied 13 of 117 athletes, who together accounted for roughly 16.7% of India's medal tally. He called for stronger collaboration between the army, the Sports Authority of India, the private sector, and academia to work collectively towards Olympic Mission 2036.
Centred on the themes of 'Institutional Synergy' and 'Athlete 360', the conclave featured discussions focused on aligning national sports policies, institutional frameworks, and technological innovation to ensure sustained Olympic success. A special 'Fire Side Chat' brought together senior officials, athletes, and sports administrators for an engaging dialogue on India's Olympic roadmap. Participants highlighted the importance of coordinated efforts between the armed forces, civil sports bodies, and private partners in building a high-performance ecosystem.
Later in the day, General Upendra Dwivedi, chief of the Army Staff, honoured three sporting legends with the Army Sports Lifetime Achievement Award for their outstanding contributions to Indian sports: Balbir Singh Kullar, Olympic bronze medallist in hockey (1968); Murlikant Petkar, Paralympic gold medallist (1972); and Vijay Kumar Sharma, Olympic silver medallist in shooting (2012). The felicitation ceremony at South Block celebrated their exceptional achievements and dedication, reflecting the Indian Army's motto of 'Service Before Self'.
The conference also highlighted the army's alignment with the Army Roadmap 2032, the National Sports Development Bill, and Khel Niti 2025, setting the foundation for a transformative phase in India's sporting journey. Representing the broader sporting ecosystem, Indian Olympic Association chief PT Usha, a former senior athlete, noted, "We are equally committed to making sports an inclusive space for women, for young athletes, for those from tribal areas, and every Indian who dreams of excelling in sports."
The event concluded with a collective call to action, to strengthen partnerships, prioritise athlete-centric development, and work towards making India a global sporting powerhouse by 2036.