Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya calls for accelerated talent identification to build India’s 2036 Olympic athlete pool
Issued by Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
Read or download the official PDF of this gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports on 20th August 2026. Classified under Press Release.
Executive Summary & Key Takeaways
Executive Summary The 63rd Governing Body Meeting of the Sports Authority of India (SAI), chaired by Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya on August 20, 2026, focused on establishing a 10-year roadmap to build an athlete pool for the 2036 Olympics. Key objectives include strengthening talent scouting through a two-stage identification process, expanding sports infrastructure via public-private partnerships, and professionalizing the coaching ecosystem. Immediate action items involve the establishment of the National Coach Accreditation Board and amendments to recruitment rules for coaching staff.
Key Points / Main Content
Talent Identification and Repository
- Two-Stage Process: Identification begins with assessing performance at state and district levels, followed by mapping athletes for fitness, passion, and potential.
- Pyramid Approach: Scouting will cover schools, districts, and colleges to ensure comprehensive coverage.
- Centralized Repository: SAI aims to build a talent repository to feed athletes into sports schools and high-level training systems.
Infrastructure and Public-Private Partnerships (PPP)
- PPP Model: A new framework will be developed to channel identified athletes into suitable academies for specialized training.
- Corporate Involvement: The government seeks increased Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) participation to expand training capacity beyond government-run facilities.
- Academy Network: Partnerships with the private sector will be used to create a wider network of sports academies across the country.
Coaching and Administrative Reforms
- National Coach Accreditation Board (NCAB): The Governing Body approved the creation of the NCAB under the revamped Khelo India Scheme to provide a structured framework for coach development.
- Recruitment Amendments: Rules for appointing Assistant Coaches (Pay Level-6) on a deputation basis in SAI have been amended to streamline staffing.
- Operational Momentum: The Minister called for a "three times" acceleration in the speed of sports projects to meet the vision of the new generation.
Impact Analysis
Sports Authority of India (SAI) Impact SAI is tasked with leading the 10-year roadmap, managing a new talent repository, and implementing updated recruitment and accreditation standards. Action Required Strengthen scouting mechanisms, implement the two-stage identification system, and oversee the establishment of the NCAB.
Aspiring Athletes Impact Athletes at the school, district, and state levels will have clearer pathways to professional training and inclusion in a national talent pool. Action Required Engage with state and district-level talent hunts to be assessed for potential progression to higher-level training systems.
Corporate Sector Impact Corporates are identified as key partners in the sports ecosystem through CSR and PPP models to augment national training capacity. Action Required Collaborate with the Ministry to fund or manage specialized training academies and support the expansion of sports infrastructure.
Sports Coaches Impact Coaches will be subject to a new, more structured accreditation and development framework via the NCAB. Action Required Adhere to the new accreditation standards and participate in the professional development framework established by the NCAB.