Project Proposal for India for

Specialized Sports-related Workforces

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) formalized its candidacy to host the 2036 Olympic Games after sending a formal letter of intent to the International Olympic Committee
(IOC), sources from the Indian association confirmed to EFE on Tuesday.

The IOA sent a letter to the organizing committee of the Games on October 1 formalizing its intentions to host the event in 2036. The Asian country has not yet revealed the city that will
lead the candidacy. Several Indian media, however, have pointed to the city of Ahmedabad, in the western state of Gujarat, as the favorite because of the huge investment in sports
infrastructure it has received in recent years.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the government of Gujarat for over a decade. Since assuming office as India’s prime minister in 2014, he has consistently prioritized the economic growth of his home region.

Proposal for National Youth Sports Skill Development Program

 

Submitted to: Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India

Submitted by:

Nagendra Pulumati

Chairman, Sports Asia Foundation

Date: May 26, 2025

Project Title:

“India’s Road to Olympic Glory 2036: National Youth Sports Skill Development Program”

Overview:

India stands on the threshold of a historic transformation with the upcoming 2036 Olympic Games. To convert this global opportunity into national achievement, India must pivot from being a cricket-dominated nation to a multi-sport superpower. This proposal outlines a robust, internationally certified, and scientifically grounded Youth Athletic Skill Development Program, developed in collaboration with the United States Sports University (USSU) — a globally accredited institution in the field of sports education.

Vision:

To establish a national, scientifically structured, and globally certified youth sports development program that empowers India’s young population to become athletes, coaches, and sports professionals aligned with the 2036 Olympic Games.

Objectives:

  1. Develop structured, age-specific athletic training integrating physical, mental, and emotional growth.
  2. Establish internationally certified coaching pathways in collaboration with USSU.
  3. Create inclusive and safe training environments across urban and rural India.
  4. Embed sports science and technology in grassroots sports education.
  5. Generate skilled employment across the sports industry through formal certifications.

Strategic Justification:

  • Sports psychology, conditioning, and recovery.
  • Developmental stage-based skill programs.
  • Safe sports policies and athlete welfare frameworks.

A Shift from Cricket Nation to Multi-Sport Powerhouse:

India’s sports audience crosses 678 million, with interest in football, kabaddi, and athletics growing exponentially.

The Indian sports industry was valued at INR 16,633 crore in 2024, with non-cricket sports growing by 19% year-on-year.

The sector is projected to become a USD 130 billion industry by 2030, creating over 10.5 million jobs.

To support this surge, India urgently needs certified professionals — in coaching, performance analytics, sports management, and sports medicine.

Program Highlights:

  1. Foundation in Developmental Stages:

    2. Age-appropriate training modules.

    Physical, mental, social, and emotional skill development.

  2. Coach Education & Certification:

    3. Structured curriculum for new and experienced coaches.

    Certifications are recognized internationally via USSU.

    Special focus on female coaches, rural talent, and career pathway

  3. Creating a Positive Sports Environment:

    4. Policy frameworks for safe sport.

    Training in communication, collaboration, and ethics.

    Parental and community engagement modules.

  4. Scientific Training Curriculum:

    5. General and sport-specific skill development.

    Age-appropriate strength, conditioning, and recovery.

    Mental resilience, visualization, goal setting.

  5. Olympic-Ready Talent Development:

    6. Early identification of high-potential youth.

    National competition preparation pathways.

    Integration with Khelo India, FIT India, and NSDC initiatives.

  6. Future-Ready Sports Training:

    7. Technology integration: wearables, biomechanics, analytics.

    Virtual and hybrid training solutions.

    Athlete tracking, progress evaluation, and gamified learning.

National Impact:

Youth Empowerment: Over 1 million youth trained across 5 years.

Employment Generation: Over 100,000 certified coaches and professionals.

Grassroots Reach: Tier 2, Tier 3, and rural region access.

Olympic Aspirations: Structured long-term athlete development (LTAD) for 2036.

Implementation Proposal:

Phase 1: Curriculum Development & Master Trainer Certification (Year 1)
Phase 2: State-Level Rollout through Sports Asia Foundation Hubs (Year 2–3)
Phase 3: Pan-India Training Centers & Olympic Talent Mapping (Year 4–5)
Phase 4: Integration with Olympic Preparation Programs (Years 6–7)

Conclusion:

India is on the cusp of becoming a true global sports nation. This proposal offers a once-in-
a-generation opportunity to align national skill development with Olympic aspirations.
Through the National Youth Sports Skill Development Program, we can build the foundation
for India’s Olympic journey, develop millions of careers, and create a sports culture that will
define our legacy for future generations.

We seek the Ministry’s support to declare this a National Mission and flagship program for
India’s Olympic future.

Respectfully submitted,

Nagendra Pulumati

Chairman, Sports Asia Foundation