New Delhi: The Indian Army organised the Army Sports Conclave 2025 at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi, on November 4, 2025, reinforcing its commitment to nurturing athletes and contributing to India’s Olympic Mission 2036. The high-level event brought together senior Army officials, sports administrators, athletes, and policymakers to discuss pathways for advancing India’s sporting excellence on the global stage.
Lt Gen Ajay Ramdev Highlights Purpose and Passion in Sports
Lt Gen Ajay Ramdev, Director General Integrated Training, delivered the welcome address, describing the Conclave as a platform “where purpose meets passion” in advancing India’s sporting ambitions. He lauded the Army Mission Olympic Wing and para-athletes, highlighting the shift towards scientific, data-driven, and mentally conditioned training. Lt Gen Ramdev emphasised the need for a collective resolve to achieve India’s Olympic goals and elevate the country’s global sporting stature.
Secretary (Sports) Urges Stakeholder Synergy for Olympic Goals
The Conclave’s keynote address was delivered by Mr Hari Ranjan Rao, Secretary (Sports), who praised the Indian Army’s role in fostering world-class athletes and promoting para and adventure sports. He highlighted government initiatives like the Target Olympic Podium Scheme, Khelo India centres, and integration of sports science, stressing the importance of synergy between stakeholders to realise India’s Olympic aspirations for 2036.
Army Leadership Emphasises Discipline, Teamwork, and Scientific Training
Lt Gen Rakesh Kapoor, Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Information Systems & Training), emphasised the enduring link between the Army and sports, rooted in fitness, discipline, and teamwork. He outlined the Army’s major initiatives in sports and underscored the importance of scientific, data-driven training, calling for collaboration between the Army, Sports Authority of India (SAI), academia, and the private sector.
Focus on Institutional Synergy and Athlete 360
The Conclave revolved around two central themes — ‘Institutional Synergy’ and ‘Athlete 360’ — highlighting coordinated efforts across stakeholders and holistic athlete development. Sessions deliberated on aligning national sports policies, institutional frameworks, and technological innovations to achieve sustained Olympic success.
A special ‘Fire Side Chat’ featured senior officials, accomplished athletes, and sports administrators, providing an interactive platform to discuss India’s roadmap towards Olympic excellence. Discussions underscored the importance of integrated efforts by the armed forces, civil sports authorities, and private sector partners to foster an ecosystem conducive to high performance.
Lifetime Achievement Awards Honour Sporting Icons
The Army also honoured three distinguished athletes with the Army Sports Lifetime Achievement Award for their exceptional contributions to Indian sports. The awards were presented by Gen Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff, at South Block:
- 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 ceremony celebrated these icons of courage, dedication, and sporting excellence, embodying the Indian Army’s motto, “Service Before Self.”
Alignment with National Initiatives and Strategic Vision
The Conclave aligned with the Army Roadmap 2032, the National Sports Development Bill, and Khel Niti 2025, initiatives designed to create transformative progress in India’s sporting ecosystem.
Collective Call to Action for India’s Olympic Future
The Army Sports Conclave 2025 concluded with a collective call to action, emphasising the need to forge partnerships, invest in athlete-centric systems, and position India as a global sporting powerhouse by 2036.
