PM Narendra Modi Reiterates India Moving Forward With 2036 Olympic Hosting Dream

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday reiterated India’s ambition to host the 2036 Olympic Games, saying the country’s young generation has the potential to elevate Indian sports as preparations continue for upcoming global sporting events.

Speaking at the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Jaigopal Garodia Hindu Vidyalaya, PM Modi highlighted how hosting major international competitions could open new avenues for aspiring athletes by providing them with improved infrastructure, greater exposure and the necessary support to excel.

“India is preparing to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. We are also moving forward with the dream of hosting the 2036 Olympics,” PM Modi said.

“In the coming years, when the world’s biggest sports events will be held in India,

the youth of India will have a platform, potential and support,” he added.

The Prime Minister said the country was working to expand opportunities in sports by investing in facilities and strengthening the ecosystem required to nurture young talent. He also stressed the need to encourage young people to view sports as a viable career rather than merely a form of recreation.

“Every youngster has their own unique dreams and talents. For example, I am sure there are many of you who want to make sports their career. This is why the country is ensuring that sports should not be limited to entertainment only,” he said.

Highlighting the progress made in athlete development, PM Modi noted that young sportspersons were gaining access to better training and support, alongside improvements in India’s performance on the international stage.

“It means the opportunities are endless. I am confident that your generation will take India to new heights in the world of sports,” PM Modi said.

India is currently one of seven parties engaged in dialogue with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) regarding a possible bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games. Germany, Hungary, Qatar, the Republic of Korea, South Africa and Türkiye are the other parties exploring the opportunity.

India formally entered the process on October 1, 2024, when it submitted a Letter of Intent to the IOC’s Future Host Commission, expressing its interest in hosting the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The IOC’s selection framework involves multiple stages, with the Executive Board expected to identify parties advancing to the next phase by March 2027. The final host is scheduled to be elected by IOC members in mid-2029.

Before the Olympic bid process reaches its decisive stages, India will host the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad, giving the country another opportunity to demonstrate its capacity to organise a major international sporting competition.

PM Modi is visiting Chennai on Sunday for several engagements, including the inauguration of development projects across Tamil Nadu. Earlier in the day, he joined Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay to flag off the first train on the Chennai Metro Rail Phase II network. The two travelled on the inaugural service between Porur and Poonamallee.