By | Gitanjali Thorat | PR Desk
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that India is preparing with full strength to host the 2036 Olympic Games, underlining the government’s commitment to expanding opportunities for athletes by bringing major global sporting events to the country.
Address at National Volleyball Championship
Speaking via video conference at the 72nd Senior National Volleyball Championship in Varanasi, the Prime Minister said hosting mega sporting events helps expose young athletes to international standards and competitive environments.
Roadmap Through Major Sporting Events
PM Modi noted that India will host the 2030 Commonwealth Games and is making strong efforts to secure the 2036 Olympics. He said these initiatives are aimed at providing more players with platforms to compete and grow at the highest levels.
Impact of Khelo India and TOPS
Highlighting government schemes, Modi said the Khelo India programme has enabled hundreds of young athletes to progress to the national level. He added that the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) is transforming India’s sports ecosystem by offering infrastructure support, funding, and international exposure to promising athletes.
India’s Experience in Hosting Global Events
The Prime Minister pointed out that India has successfully hosted more than 20 major international sporting events, including the FIFA Under-17 World Cup, Hockey World Cup, and major global chess tournaments, reflecting growing organisational capacity and confidence.
Athlete-Centric Sports Reforms
Modi said the government has significantly increased the sports budget and shifted to an athlete-centric model focused on talent identification, scientific training, nutrition, and transparent selection processes. He added that sports reforms are part of India’s broader development agenda since 2014.
New Sports Policies and Governance
Referring to recent reforms, the Prime Minister said the National Sports Governance Act and the Khelo Bharat Policy 2025 aim to improve transparency and ensure opportunities reach deserving talent. These policies, he said, will allow young athletes to pursue sports and education simultaneously.
Varanasi as an Emerging Sports Hub
PM Modi expressed satisfaction over Varanasi emerging as a sporting destination, with the national volleyball championship strengthening the city’s sports profile. Drawing a parallel between volleyball and national development, he stressed teamwork, coordination, and shared responsibility as key to success.
