India Prepares to Host 2036 Olympics, PM Modi Announces
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced India's full-fledged preparation to host the 2036 Olympic Games, aiming to offer greater opportunities to athletes. Speaking at the 72nd Senior National Volleyball Championship, Modi highlighted government initiatives like Khelo India and TOPS, which focus on talent identification, scientific training, and global exposure. He underscored India's strong track record in hosting major international events and a new athlete-centric approach, emphasizing increased sports budget and transparent selection processes.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi formally announced India's robust preparations to host the 2036 Olympic Games, expressing the government's unwavering commitment to providing enhanced opportunities for athletes by bringing mega sporting events to the country. Addressing the 72nd Senior National Volleyball Championship, Modi detailed ongoing efforts to immerse budding athletes in Olympic sports, lauding schemes like Khelo India as transformative in nurturing talent across the nation. He explicitly stated India's strong efforts for the 2036 Olympics, following its confirmed hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games.Modi emphasized the success of the Khelo India campaign in elevating hundreds of young individuals to national-level competition. He also recounted India's extensive experience, having successfully hosted over 20 significant international events, including the FIFA Under-17 World Cup, Hockey World Cup, and major chess tournaments, showcasing the nation's capability. The Prime Minister highlighted the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) as a crucial driver in transforming the sports ecosystem by providing essential infrastructure, funding, and international exposure to young athletes, reflecting India's surging confidence and improved performance in global sports since 2014. Modi concluded by describing a profound shift in the national sports strategy, characterized by a significantly increased sports budget and an athlete-centric model prioritizing talent identification, scientific training, nutrition, and transparent selection processes to safeguard players' interests.