India has begun making determined efforts to host the 2036 Olympic Games, drawing on its recent experience of organising large international sporting events and expanding sports infrastructure across the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted this ambition while addressing the inauguration of the 72nd National Volleyball Championship in Varanasi through video conferencing.
The Prime Minister said India’s growing role in global sports reflects a broader transformation in the country’s sports ecosystem. Over the past decade, India has hosted more than 20 international sporting events, including the FIFA Under-17 World Cup, the Hockey World Cup, and several major chess tournaments. According to Modi, these events have helped India gain confidence and practical experience in managing complex, large-scale competitions that involve global coordination, logistics, and high standards of organisation.
India is also set to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, which is expected to further strengthen sports infrastructure and administrative capacity. The Prime Minister noted that the Commonwealth Games will serve as an important stepping stone toward the larger goal of hosting the Olympics in 2036. He said the ultimate aim of these efforts is not just to stage a global event, but to give more Indian athletes opportunities to compete at the highest level and to build a strong sporting culture nationwide.
Ahmedabad has emerged as a leading contender to host the 2036 Summer Olympics. The proposal reportedly includes a twin-city development plan involving Gandhinagar, with an emphasis on creating world-class sports facilities. Indian officials are also engaging with the International Olympic Committee to explore technical requirements, long-term planning, and feasibility. These discussions signal that India’s Olympic ambitions are being pursued through formal and structured channels rather than symbolic announcements.
Speaking about changes in India’s sports system, Modi said the country has shifted toward an athlete-centric model. This approach focuses on early talent identification, scientific training methods, proper nutrition, and transparent selection processes. According to him, the interests of athletes are now prioritised at every level, from grassroots competitions to international representation. He added that this shift reflects a broader change in mindset within both the government and society regarding the importance of sports.
The Prime Minister pointed to initiatives such as the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), which provides targeted financial and technical support to elite athletes. He said that improvements in funding structures, coaching quality, and infrastructure are already visible in India’s steadily improving performance across various sports since 2014. He expressed pride in seeing young Indian athletes, especially from the current generation, perform confidently on international stages and represent the country with determination.
Modi also spoke about reforms introduced to improve governance and transparency in sports administration. These include the National Sports Governance Act and the Khelo Bharat Policy 2025. According to him, these reforms are designed to ensure fair opportunities for talented athletes, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and promote accountability within sports organisations. He said such measures would allow young athletes to progress simultaneously in sports and education, creating a more balanced and sustainable pathway for sporting careers.
Using volleyball as an example, Modi emphasised the values of teamwork, coordination, and trust. He said that success in sports, like success in nation-building, depends on collective effort rather than individual achievement alone. The National Volleyball Championship, which saw participation from over 1,000 players across 58 teams representing states and institutions, was cited as an example of growing grassroots engagement in sports.
The Prime Minister also linked sports development to India’s broader national progress. He said improvements in areas such as digital payments, cleanliness drives, and inclusive development reflect a wider spirit of reform and participation. According to him, this collective consciousness, guided by the idea of “India First,” is equally important in building a strong sports culture.
India’s push to host the 2036 Olympics, as outlined by the Prime Minister, reflects a long-term vision rather than a short-term goal. While significant challenges remain, including infrastructure readiness and international competition for hosting rights, the government’s focus appears to be on building capacity, supporting athletes, and aligning sports development with national growth. Whether or not India ultimately secures the Olympic bid, the ongoing investments and reforms are likely to have lasting effects on the country’s sporting landscape.
