India's bid for 2036 Olympics makes more sense: Anurag Thakur

New Delhi: Sports Minister Anurag Thakur said on Sunday that it would be more logical for the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to award India the hosting rights for the 2036 Olympic Games.

Thakur, speaking at the News9 Global Summit, cited India's remarkable performance at recent international events, including the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, as grounds for optimism. He believes that India could achieve a top-10 position in sports by 2036 and potentially reach the top-5 by 2047.

Thakur asserted, "We had the largest population to see the Olympic sports last time (in 2020 Tokyo), and this time, it makes more sense for the IOC to give the 2036 Olympics to none other than Bharat, our India."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had previously expressed India's interest in hosting the 2036 Olympics during the IOC session in Mumbai last year. Thakur confirmed that India is earnest about hosting the event and aims to host the 2030 Youth Olympics before that. He highlighted India's economic growth, improved sports infrastructure, and young population as factors supporting its bid.

Thakur anticipates that India will be among the top 10 medal-winning countries by 2036 and among the top 5 by 2047. He emphasized the growing popularity of Olympic disciplines and drew parallels with the transformation of cricket in India after winning the 1983 World Cup.

He underscored the government's commitment to sports infrastructure development, increased sports budgets, and various schemes benefiting athletes. Thakur encouraged state governments to contribute to this effort.