BUDGAM, Apr 24: Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Friday said India would emerge among the top 10 sporting nations by 2036 and break into the top five by 2047.

Speaking to reporters after inaugurating a 30-bedded Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) hospital at Ompora in the central Kashmir district here, Mandaviya credited the Narendra Modi-led government for streamlining sports governance and creating a more structured system.
“It (the government) is providing opportunity to the youth to perform in the sports arena. I am sure that in the days to come, in the next ten years by 2036, India will be among the 10 best sporting nations in the world and by 2047, India will emerge among the top five sporting nations,” Mandaviya said.
The minister added that the government’s sustained push has strengthened the sporting framework across the country.
“The country has won the bid for hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2030 and has also bid for hosting the 2036 Olympic Games. The process is going on to meet all the demands and expectations of the International Olympic Committee.
“The sports ecosystem has been improved in the country, and with programmes like Fit India, Khelo India movement, the country’s youth are getting opportunities,” Mandaviya added.