Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday announced significant support for athletes as part of India`s long-term preparations for the 2036 Olympic Games. Addressing the Indian contingent of the 21st World Police and Fire Games, Shah revealed that the government is currently providing financial assistance of Rs 50,000 to around 3,000 sportspersons as part of a comprehensive strategy to bolster the nation’s Olympic prospects.
Speaking at a felicitation ceremony in the national capital, Shah highlighted the growing focus on sports over the past decade. “In the last 10 years, sports have been given a lot of importance. The government has increased its budget five times…and is also making a detailed, systematic plan for this (2036 Olympics),” Shah said.
India finished third overall at the World Police and Fire Games 2025, claiming a staggering 588 medals, including 280 golds. Only the United States and Brazil ranked ahead of India in the final medal tally. The U.S. topped the charts with 1,354 medals, while Brazil secured 743.
“Winning and losing is a part of life. We should always aim to win. Winning should be our habit; only those who make winning a habit perform well,” Shah said. “…I once again heartily congratulate all the medal winners who played and won for the country in the 21st World Police and Fire Games.”
Looking ahead, Shah issued a challenge to the police forces participating under the All India Police Sports Control Board. With India set to host the 22nd World Police and Fire Games in 2029, the Home Minister urged all participating forces to aim for at least three medals each, surpassing the record set in Birmingham, Alabama.
India will host the 2029 edition of the tournament in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The announcement was made earlier in June by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, who confirmed that the state had successfully secured the hosting rights for the prestigious international event.
The World Police and Fire Games, held from June 27 to July 6, 2025, in the U.S., featured athletes from law enforcement and firefighting agencies around the globe. With the government’s renewed focus on nurturing talent and long-term vision for Olympic success, India’s sporting future appears more promising than ever.
(With ANI inputs)
