NEW DELHI, December 5 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi has positioned India’s bid for the 2036 Olympic Games as a central pillar of a national strategy to develop elite athletes. He stated that hosting such mega events provides critical competitive exposure and inspires the next generation.
What did PM Modi say?
Speaking via video link at the inauguration of the 72nd Senior National Volleyball Championship in Varanasi, the Prime Minister outlined a clear hosting roadmap. “The 2030 Commonwealth Games will be held in India, and the country is making strong efforts to host the 2036 Olympics,” Modi said.
He directly linked hosting to athlete development, stating, “The aim is to give more and more players greater opportunities to compete.” Modi emphasized that these events boost infrastructure and give young athletes the confidence and experience needed to excel on the global stage.
How does India plan to build a sporting ecosystem?
PM Modi highlighted the government’s commitment to creating a supportive environment for Olympic sports. He highlighted the Khelo India initiative as a “game-changer” in identifying talent, especially from rural and small towns, by giving them access to financial support, competition, and training.
- Key Programme: Khelo India for grassroots talent identification and nurturing.
- Government Aim: Provide maximum exposure to budding athletes in Olympic sports through structured competitions.
- Recent Context: India has successfully hosted several international events in cricket, football, and athletics, building its credentials as a large-scale event host.
Why does hosting the 2036 Olympics matter?
Securing the 2036 Olympics would be a historic milestone for Indian sports. Beyond national pride, it is seen as a catalyst for wide-ranging development:
- Infrastructure: Long-term upgrades to stadiums, training centers, and transportation.
- Sports Science & Coaching: Elevated standards and investment in high-performance support.
- Athlete Pipeline: A well-defined long-term goal to inspire and structure athlete development programmes.
PM Modi’s speech signals high-level, steady backing for the bid, even as the official bidding procedure with the International Olympic Committee remains years away.
