Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed confidence in India’s ability to host major international sporting events, reiterating the country’s ambition to organise the 2036 Olympic Games.
Addressing India’s 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games contingent at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi, PM Modi highlighted the country’s upcoming sporting commitments.
“The next Olympic Games will be held in Los Angeles in 2028. India will host the Commonwealth Games in 2030. India also hopes to host the Olympics in 2036,” he said.
Prime Minister Modi emphasised the need to identify sporting talent in villages and nurture future champions. He said he had called for a nationwide talent hunt from the Red Fort to discover promising athletes.
He expressed confidence in India’s youth, saying their capabilities could help the country achieve ambitious sporting goals. PM Modi added that India had developed world-class sports infrastructure to support major competitions.
India submitted a Letter of Intent to the International Olympic Committee’s Future Host Commission on October 1, 2024. Seven interested parties, including India, are currently in dialogue with the IOC over hosting the 2036 Games.
Prime Minister Modi highlighted initiatives such as the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) and Khelo India, which support elite athletes and encourage emerging talent.
He said the government had established more than 1,000 Khelo India centres nationwide. Facilities include athletic tracks, football and hockey grounds, swimming pools and multipurpose halls.
The Prime Minister cited financial assistance, monthly support for TOPS athletes and overseas training opportunities. He also highlighted the Khelo India Winter Games and international competitions as platforms for young sportspersons.
India finished fourth at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games with 85 medals, including 21 gold, 27 silver and 37 bronze. PM Modi called for sustained support and greater competitive opportunities for aspiring athletes.
Our Asian Games champions have made the Tricolour fly high! Their achievements show what passion, perseverance and belief can achieve. https://t.co/m3gOPecQCo
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 15, 2026
Also Read: ‘You Made 140 Crore People Proud’: PM Modi Praises India’s Asian Games Athletes
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