Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced that India is actively preparing to bid for the 2036 Olympic Games, citing the country’s growing experience in hosting major international sporting events.
Highlighting events such as the FIFA Under-17 World Cup, Hockey World Cup, and global chess tournaments, the Prime Minister said India has successfully hosted over 20 international sporting events in the last decade. He added that the proposed hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games would further strengthen sports infrastructure and demonstrate India’s organisational capabilities.
PM Modi made these remarks while virtually addressing the inaugural ceremony of the 72nd National Volleyball Championship in Varanasi.
“You may have noticed that over the past decade, several cities have hosted more than 20 international events. The 2030 Commonwealth Games are also scheduled to be held in India. India is now actively preparing to bid for the 2036 Olympics,” he said.
Ahmedabad is reportedly leading the bid to host the 2036 Summer Olympics, with a proposed budget ranging between Rs 34,700 crore and Rs 64,000 crore. The plan includes twin-city development with Gandhinagar and the creation of world-class sports infrastructure. Officials are also said to be in active engagement with the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Emphasising the transformation of India’s sports ecosystem, PM Modi said initiatives such as the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) have played a vital role in identifying and nurturing sporting talent by providing international exposure, improved training, and financial support.
“Because of the TOPS initiative, the sports ecosystem is being developed in India today,” he said.
Addressing athletes participating in the national volleyball championship, the Prime Minister congratulated teams from 28 states and described their participation as a living example of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’.
He also drew parallels between volleyball and India’s development journey, stating that the sport symbolises balance, cooperation, and determination.
“Our victory depends on coordination, trust, and preparation. We succeed only when everyone fulfils their responsibilities. Our country is also progressing in the same way,” he said.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who also addressed the event, said India has witnessed comprehensive development over the past 11 years under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership.
“Every Indian is benefiting from the new model infrastructure envisioned by the Prime Minister. Government welfare schemes are helping people rise above the poverty line,” he said, adding that sports are no longer viewed as a waste of time but as a key driver of holistic development. (Agencies)
