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“It is India's dream to host the 2036 Olympics, and we are preparing for it.” Modi said in a speech to the nation from the walls of the Red Fort on the 78th Independence Day. (Photo/PTI)
Like India, several other countries including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey have also positioned themselves as strong contenders to host the sporting event.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that India is capable of hosting large-scale global events and will spare no effort to host the 2036 Olympics.
Like India, several other countries including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey have also positioned themselves as strong contenders to host the sporting event. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is not expected to decide on the host city until elections next year.
“It is India's dream to host the 2036 Olympics and we are preparing for it,” Modi said in an address to the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the 78th Independence Day.
The Prime Minister said that India successfully hosted the G20 Summit in New Delhi and other cities last September, demonstrating India's existing infrastructure.
“India's large-scale hosting of the G20 summit has proven that India is capable of hosting large-scale events,” he said.
India's bold plan has the support of Thomas Bach, the current president of the International Olympic Committee. The last time India hosted an international multi-sport event was the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi.
Ahmedabad is seen as the frontrunner to host the 2036 Olympics.
Prime Minister Modi also congratulated Indian athletes for their excellent results at the just-concluded Paris Olympics, where India won six medals, including one silver and five bronze, in athletics, shooting, hockey and wrestling.
“Today, we are surrounded by the young people who kept the Indian flag flying high at the Olympics. On behalf of my 1.4 billion countrymen, I congratulate all our athletes and athletes.
His speech was attended by many top athletes, including pistol shooter Manu Bhaker, who won two bronze medals in Paris, and members of the Indian hockey team, including star goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who retired after the team won a bronze medal.
The Prime Minister also expressed his wishes to the Indian delegation that will participate in the Paralympic Games to be held in Paris from August 28 to September 8.
“In the coming days, a large Indian delegation will travel to Paris for the Paralympic Games. My best wishes to all Paralympic athletes.
At the Tokyo Paralympics, India won 19 medals, including 5 gold, 8 silver and 6 bronze. This time, our country will send 84 disabled athletes to participate in the Olympics.
(This article has not been edited by News18 staff and is published by PTI)
