Kerala State Sports department aims to send 250 athletes to 2036 Olympics under Olympic Path scheme: Kerala Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman

Kerala Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman on Thursday (February 19, 2026) said the State has drawn up an intensive plan under the “Olympic Path” scheme to enable 250 athletes to compete in the 2036 Olympics.

Inaugurating the distribution of sports kits to local bodies in Kannur at District Panchayat Hall, the Minister said 5,000 children would be identified at the grassroots level across various disciplines and provided with systematic training. They would compete in major events, including the National Games, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games, with the best 250 groomed for participation in the Olympics.

The initiative, he said, is anchored in structural reforms in the sports sector. The government plans to appoint five coaches in every local self-government institution, creating at least 5,000 job opportunities. Early identification of sporting talent and scientific training, he added, would help raise athletes to international standards.

Special curriculum reforms are being considered in institutions such as G.V. Raja Sports School. Insurance coverage has also been introduced for sportspersons to ensure access to advanced treatment, including overseas care, in case of injuries sustained during training.

Highlighting infrastructure expansion, the Minister said 26 synthetic tracks, 36 mini stadiums, playgrounds in 100 schools, and 160 grounds under the ‘One Panchayat, One Playground’ scheme have been completed across the State. Future projects will be implemented through the State Sports Directorate and the Planning Board to strengthen local sports clubs as institutions that promote pluralism, secular values, and a healthy sporting culture.

Sports kits were distributed to 81 local bodies in the district, including grama panchayats, municipalities, and the Corporation. Newly elected District Sports Council members, including A.K. Shereef, P.P. Bineesh, and P. Narayanan Kutty, among others, took the oath of office. National medal winners were honoured at the function.