Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on Saturday that India is a strong contender to host the 2036 Olympic Games. He also announced the launch of a nationwide talent search among children aged 5 to 15 to increase India's participation in the Olympics.
Addressing the nation from Red Fort on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of Independence Day, Modi noted that the main government program, known as Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), has achieved significant success in providing necessary support to athletes. He emphasized that India is continuously strengthening its position in the world of sports, and the country's flag and anthem are increasingly heard at international competitions.
Modi stated: 'India is establishing its place in the world of sports. We often hear our national anthem and see the tricolors waving. TOPS has achieved great success. Whether it is Games of India, university games, beach games, winter games, sports medicine, sports nutrition, or training, India is rapidly developing.'
Goal: Participation in three-quarters of disciplines by 2036
The Prime Minister noted that India's sporting achievements are continuously improving, and the country is a serious candidate to organize the 2036 Olympic Games. Furthermore, he announced that India will also host the Commonwealth Games in 2030. He specified that the Olympics feature competitions in approximately 40 sports and around 350 disciplines, but India cannot yet qualify even for two-thirds of them.
Modi set the goal: by 2036, India intends to participate in at least three-quarters of all Olympic disciplines.
Search for talents among children aged 5 to 15
To achieve this goal, the government will conduct the identification of sports talents across all regions of the country. Modi announced the launch of a nationwide talent search for children aged five to fifteen. He added that through this campaign, talents will be discovered in every corner of the country, and selected children will receive specialized training to turn them into elite world-class athletes.
India is considered the main contender to host the 2036 Olympic Games in Ahmedabad. In addition, India will also host the Commonwealth Games in 2030, which will take place in Ahmedabad.
