India has taken a significant step towards its ambition of hosting the 2036 Olympic Games. During the opening of the 141st session of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in Mumbai, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the country will submit its bid. “India will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to host the Olympic Games in 2036; this is the historic dream and aspiration of 1.4 billion Indians,” emphasized Modi, reflecting the commitment and passion of the Indian people for sports.
With experience hosting international events like the Cricket World Cup, India positions itself as a serious contender. The Prime Minister highlighted the country’s ability to carry out large sporting events, as well as its recent hosting of the G20 summit, which reinforces its global reputation. Furthermore, Modi promised that “we are making every possible effort” to ensure that India hosts a memorable Olympic Games.
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The bid is not new, as in December 2022, India had already expressed interest in the 2036 Games. At that time, Gujarat, a state with a rich sporting history, was considered the ideal location to host the opening ceremony and other competitions, specifically in the city of Ahmedabad, the largest in the region.
Modi also expressed his enthusiasm for including cricket as an Olympic sport at the Los Angeles 2028 Games, noting that this could attract even more interest from the global sports community towards India. The inclusion of cricket in the Olympic program would be a milestone, considering the deep emotional and cultural connection this sport has in the country.
India’s participation in the recent Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where it won five bronze medals and one silver, demonstrates the country’s growth in the sporting arena. Although the total number of medals was lower than at Tokyo 2020, it remains a significant achievement and highlights the potential of Indian athletes on the international stage.
Prime Minister Modi concluded by stating that “whether in sports, business, or entertainment, India is today a major center of attention.” With an eye on the future, the country is preparing for a new chapter in its sporting history, one that could culminate in the realization of the 2036 Olympic Games.
