Role of Sports and Sportspersons in Building Viksit Bharat @2047: A Holistic Perspective on Sporting Excellence, Youth Empowerment and Nation Building

Abstract The vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 represents India's aspiration to become a developed, inclusive, self-reliant and globally influential nation by the centenary of its independence. Sports and sportspersons can play a significant role in achieving this vision because sports are not merely a source of entertainment or international medals; they are powerful instruments for human development, health, discipline, social inclusion, employment generation, economic growth and national identity. India possesses one of the world's largest youth populations, creating a substantial demographic opportunity that can be transformed through systematic investment in physical education, sports participation, talent identification, sports science and athlete development. The Khelo Bharat Niti–2025 explicitly recognizes sports as an instrument of nation building and holistic development. Recent initiatives, including the Khelo India Mission announced in Union Budget 2026–27, further indicate a shift towards a long-term and outcome-oriented sports ecosystem. This paper examines the multidimensional contribution of sports and sportspersons to the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. It discusses sporting excellence, youth empowerment, health, employment, sports economy, women's participation, rural talent, inclusion, sports science and technology, national pride and India's global soft power. The paper also identifies major challenges and proposes strategic measures for developing a sustainable, inclusive and globally competitive sporting ecosystem by 2047.