India pushing to earn rights to host 2036 Olympics, says PM Modi

The 38^th edition of National Games was inaugurated in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, on Tuesday, 28 January, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi hyping up India’s push to host the 2036 Olympics.

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has submitted an official expression of interest to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 2023, though a clear picture of the bidding city is yet to emerge till now.

Highlighting the long-term benefits of hosting the Olympics, Modi said: ‘’Wherever the Olympics happen, all sectors gain. It creates better facilities for athletes and boosts the entire nation.’’

Speaking at the inauguration of the National Games, the prime minister stressed that securing the 2036 Olympics would not only foster growth in the sporting sector but also improve infrastructure, benefitting athletes and the country as a whole.

He had earlier expressed India’s intention to host the 2036 Games during the IOC Congress in Mumbai in 2023. ‘’It is our endeavour to enhance your capabilities and we are focussed on supporting you,’’ Modi said.

Meanwhile, Modi described the National Games as a ‘’beautiful portrait of Ek Bharat, Sreshth Bharat’’ and reiterated that such events are crucial to the nation’s development. A total of 32 disciplines and four demonstration events will feature in the Olympic-style sports meet, with athletes from the various states and union territories of India in the fray.

‘’The 38th edition in Uttarakhand promises to be a landmark event in promoting both traditional and modern sports in India,’’ IOA president PT Usha said. ‘’The inclusion of demonstration sports like kalarippayattu, yogasana, mallakhamb and rafting reflects our commitment to honouring India's rich heritage while encouraging new opportunities for athletes,'' she added.

The last edition was held in 2023 across five cities in Goa — Mapusa, Margao, Panjim, Ponda and Vasco. Maharashtra finished at the top spot with 228 medals, including 80 gold.