PM Modi reaffirms India's bid to host 2036 Olympics
Chennai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said India was steadily working towards realising its ambition of hosting the 2036 Olympic Games, even as the country prepares to stage the 2030 Commonwealth Games.
Speaking at the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Jaigopal Garodia Hindu Vidyalaya here, the Prime Minister said the staging of global sporting events in India would open up greater opportunities for young athletes and help them pursue professional careers in sports.
"India is preparing to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. We are also moving forward with the dream of hosting the 2036 Olympics," PM Modi said.
He said that once the world's biggest sporting events were held in the country, Indian youth would have access to a larger platform, better facilities and stronger institutional support.
The Prime Minister said the government was expanding sports infrastructure and improving training and support systems to help talented youngsters convert their sporting aspirations into careers.
"Every youngster has their own unique dreams and talents. For example, I am sure there are many of you who want to make sports their career. This is why the country is ensuring that sports should not be limited to entertainment only," he said.
Noting that Indian players were receiving improved training and backing, PM Modi expressed confidence that the present generation would raise the country's profile in international sports.
"It means the opportunities are endless. I am confident that your generation will take India to new heights in the world of sports," he said.
India is one of seven parties currently in talks with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for the 2036 Games, along with Germany, Hungary, Qatar, the Republic of Korea, South Africa and Türkiye.
The country formally conveyed its interest by submitting a Letter of Intent to the IOC's Future Host Commission on October 1, 2024.
Under the IOC's multi-stage selection process, the Executive Board is expected to shortlist interested parties for the next round by March 2027, while the host is likely to be chosen by IOC members in mid-2029.
Ahmedabad is preparing to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, an event seen as a major stepping stone in India's bid to stage the Olympics.
PM Modi is in Chennai on Sunday for a series of engagements, including the launch of development projects in Tamil Nadu. Earlier, he and Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay flagged off the first train on the Chennai Metro Rail Phase II network and travelled on the inaugural service from Porur to Poonamallee.
(Inputs from IANS)