
Reiterating Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ambition for India to become a global sporting hub, the Union Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs affirmed the nation’s readiness to host both the 2030 Youth Olympics and the 2036 Summer Olympics. Speaking at CNN-News18’s Rising Bharat Summit, the minister emphasized India’s economic stature as the world’s third-largest economy and its vast reservoir of youthful energy, positioning the country as an ideal destination for sporting events.
The forthcoming Summer Youth Olympics, scheduled for 2026 in Dakar, Senegal, precede the 2028 and 2032 editions, slated for Los Angeles and Brisbane, respectively, following the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi, speaking at an IOC Session held in India the previous year, formally declared India’s commitment to host the 2036 Olympics. Expressing widespread enthusiasm for this endeavor, Modi underscored India’s unwavering dedication to ensuring the success of the games, echoing the sentiments of the nation’s 1.4 billion citizens. He also expressed interest in hosting the 2029 Youth Olympics, expressing confidence in India’s ongoing collaboration with the IOC.
Highlighting India’s recent sporting achievements, the minister stressed the importance of placing sports at the forefront of national development, celebrating the historic performances of Indian athletes on various international platforms. With notable successes at events such as the Tokyo Olympics, Paralympics, Deaf Olympics, and the Asian Games, where India surpassed the 100-medal mark, the minister reiterated the significance of sports as a form of soft power.
Furthermore, the minister lauded the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala for its role in hosting the fifth Test between India and England, underscoring its acclaim as one of the world’s most picturesque stadiums. Notably, the match attracted nearly 4000 fans from the UK, providing a substantial boost to the local economy and showcasing the transformative impact of sports on communities.