Sebastian Coe Hopes India Will Host Olympics; Praises Growth In Athletics

World Athletics President Sebastian Coe praised India’s enthusiasm for sports and expressed optimism that the nation will eventually be ready to host the prestigious Olympic Games.

This statement echoes the words of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who, during the 141st IOC session in November 2023, assured that India would spare no effort in preparing to successfully organize the 2036 Olympics.

Coe, speaking exclusively to ANI stated, “Look, India is a sports country that is passionate about sports. Olympic sports are becoming more important. It has a very vibrant commercial marketplace for sports. So all those are really important assets and political leadership that understands the value of sports. I hope someday India is in a position to bid for games.”

Earlier on Monday, Coe met Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya in New Delhi, where they discussed India’s ambition to host the 2036 Olympics, along with the development of athletics at the grassroots level.

During his trip, Coe also met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He expressed gratitude for the government’s support of Indian athletics.

“It has been a very good visit. I had a very good time today with the Indian Athletics Federation. I met the Prime Minister to thank him and also for his support for Indian athletics. Indian athletics is improving dramatically. I was very honoured. I was able to thank him for his support,” he further added.

Sebastian Coe is one of the candidates vying to replace Thomas Bach as the president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

When asked if his visit to India was to seek support, he dismissed the idea, saying he simply wanted to spend time with his colleagues at the Indian Athletics Federation.

He clarified, “My primary objective today was to spend time with my colleagues in the Indian Athletics Federation.”

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