The Indian Army organised the Army Sports Conclave 2025 at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi, today. The event, held at a defining moment in India’s sporting journey, reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to nurturing champions and contributing to the nation’s vision of Olympic Mission 2036.

Lt Gen Ajay Ramdev, Director General Integrated Training, delivered the Welcome Address, setting the tone for the deliberations. He highlighted the Army Sports Conclave 2025 as a platform where “purpose meets passion” in advancing India’s sporting ambitions. He lauded the Mission Olympic Wing and para-athletes, emphasising the shift towards scientific, data-driven and mentally conditioned training. He urged collective resolve towards India’s Olympic Mission 2036 to elevate the nation’s global sporting stature.

The event was graced by Mr Hari Ranjan Rao, Secretary (Sports), who delivered the Keynote Address. He lauded the Indian Army’s vital role in nurturing world-class athletes and advancing para and adventure sports that symbolise national pride. Highlighting government initiatives such as the Target Olympic Podium Scheme, Khelo India centres and sports science integration, he emphasised synergy among all stakeholders to realise India’s Olympic aspirations for 2036 through long-term planning, inclusion and scientific excellence.

Lt Gen Rakesh Kapoor, Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Information Systems & Training), in his address, highlighted the enduring bond between the Indian Army and sports, rooted in fitness, discipline and teamwork. He outlined the Army’s major sporting initiatives and focus on scientific, data-driven training to sustain excellence. Urging synergy among the Army, SAI, private sector and academia, he called for collective resolve towards India’s Olympic Mission 2036.

The Conclave was structured around two central themes, ‘Institutional Synergy’ and ‘Athlete 360’, emphasising coordinated collaboration across stakeholders and holistic athlete development. The two sessions deliberated on aligning national sports policies, institutional frameworks and technological innovation to achieve sustained Olympic success.

A special ‘Fire Side Chat’ brought together senior officials, accomplished athletes and sports administrators for an interactive dialogue on the roadmap to India’s Olympic goals. The discussions underscored the importance of integrated efforts by the armed forces, civil sports authorities and private sector partners in fostering an ecosystem conducive to high performance.

As part of the Conclave, later in the day, three distinguished athletes were honoured by Gen Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff, with the Army Sports Lifetime Achievement Award for their exceptional contribution to Indian sports.

• Col Balbir Singh Kullar (Retd), Olympic Bronze Medallist, Hockey (1968)
• Mr Murlikant Petkar, Paralympic Gold Medallist (1972)
• Hony Capt Vijay Kumar Sharma, Olympic Silver Medallist, Shooting (2012)

The felicitation ceremony at South Block celebrated these icons of courage, dedication and sporting excellence whose journeys embody the spirit of the Indian Army’s motto, “Service Before Self.”

The Conclave also marked the Army’s alignment with the recently formulated Army Roadmap 2032, the National Sports Development Bill and Khel Niti 2025. Together, these initiatives set the stage for transformative progress in India’s sporting landscape.

The Army Sports Conclave 2025 concluded with a collective call to action, to forge partnerships, invest in athlete-centric systems and realise India’s aspiration of becoming a global sporting powerhouse by 2036.

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