Chennai, October 11, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday reiterated India’s ambition to host the 2036 Olympic Games, saying the country was preparing to stage major international sporting events and create greater opportunities for young athletes.
Addressing the golden jubilee celebrations of Jaigopal Garodia Hindu Vidyalaya in Chennai, Modi said India was working towards hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games and pursuing its ambition of bringing the Olympics to the country.
“India is preparing to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. We are also moving forward with the dream of hosting the 2036 Olympics,” the Prime Minister said.
He added that hosting major international competitions would give young Indians access to platforms, facilities and support to pursue their sporting ambitions.
“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,” Modi said.
The Prime Minister stressed that sports should not be viewed merely as entertainment, noting that young people had diverse talents and aspirations, including the ambition to build careers as professional athletes.
“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.
Modi said improved training facilities and support systems were expanding opportunities for young athletes. Expressing confidence in the next generation, he said India’s youth could take the country to new heights in international sports.
India is currently among seven countries in discussions with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) over hosting the 2036 Olympic Games. The other interested nations are Germany, Hungary, Qatar, the Republic of Korea, South Africa and Türkiye. The IOC has invited the countries to present their proposals to its Future Host Commission in November, with a shortlist for the next stage expected in March 2027. The host is scheduled to be elected in mid-2029.
India formally expressed its interest in hosting the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games in October 2024. Ahmedabad has emerged as the proposed host city for the Indian bid.
The country is also preparing to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad, another major opportunity to demonstrate its ability to organise international sporting competitions.
Modi was in Chennai on Sunday for a series of engagements, including the inauguration of development projects in Tamil Nadu. Earlier, he and Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay flagged off the first train on the Chennai Metro Rail Phase II network and travelled on the inaugural service between Porur and Poonamallee.
FOLLOW NOW
