PM Modi to Address Youth Across 1,500 Locations in 'Khelo India Samvaad' on Aug 27
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the country's youth, including sportspersons, across more than 1,500 locations on Thursday, August 27, 2026, as part of the 'Khelo India Samvaad – Khel Ki Baat, PM Ke Saath' programme. The initiative, organised by the Sports Ministry, comes two days ahead of National Sports Day, which is celebrated on August 29 to mark the birth anniversary of hockey legend Dhyan Chand.
The Prime Minister's virtual address will be part of a nationwide event aimed at creating a direct dialogue between sports-loving youth and policymakers. Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, during a media briefing, said the programme will bring together youth, athletes, and educational institutions at over 1,500 locations across the country.
"IITs, IIMs, NITs, AIIMS, premier medical colleges and universities, along with other leading educational institutions, are participating in this nationwide campaign," Mr. Mandaviya said. He added that the programme provides young people with an opportunity to share their ideas, experiences, and suggestions.
The event will begin with a welcome by MY Bharat volunteers, followed by a video presentation highlighting the transformational changes in India's sporting ecosystem over the past 12 years. Key excerpts from the Prime Minister's Independence Day message on sports and youth power will also be showcased before his address.
Following the Prime Minister's address, physical programmes will be held at the designated locations. In the national capital, celebrations will take place at four to five venues, including IIT Delhi, where Mr. Mandaviya will be present.
Leading former and current athletes, including Indian Olympic Association president P.T. Usha, will interact with the youth. The list includes Manika Batra, Deepa Karmakar, Saina Nehwal, Gagan Narang, Sreejesh, Mary Kom, Baichung Bhutia, Pullela Gopichand, Anju Bobby George, Karnam Malleswari, Mirabai Chanu, and some cricketers.
"They will share their journeys, challenges, failures, successes and sporting experiences with young participants," Mr. Mandaviya said. "The objective of the event is to inspire young people with the belief that a champion’s journey does not begin in a grand stadium, but with a small field and a first attempt."
Members of Parliament, Members of Legislative Assemblies, Union Ministers, Ministers of State, and State Sports Ministers will also participate. According to Mr. Mandaviya, these elected representatives will engage with youth and seek their ideas on four key themes.
The four themes are: strengthening the sports ecosystem by improving facilities, coaching, and opportunities at the grassroots; nurturing talent for the 2036 Olympics with a focus on scientific talent identification and athlete development; strengthening youth leadership and increasing youth participation in governance; and youth empowerment for Viksit Bharat, including future-ready skills, volunteering, and nation-building opportunities.
The suggestions gathered through the programme will be taken directly to policymakers and the wider sports ecosystem, helping connect ground-level experiences and youth aspirations with policy making.
