NEW DELHI: India is interested in hosting the Olympic Games in 2036, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today at the opening ceremony of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) session in Mumbai.
The country has never hosted the Olympics before, but in 2010 Delhi hosted the Commonwealth Games.
“India will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to organise the Olympics in India in 2036. This is the age-old dream of 140 crore (1.4 billion) Indians, it is their aspiration,” Modi said.
“We want to realise this dream with your collaboration and support … I am confident that India will get the support of the IOC.”
Last month, Polish president Andrzej Duda said his country was hopeful of organising the 2036 Olympics, while Indonesia and Mexico are also expected to bid to host sport’s biggest event.
Modi also said India would look to host the Youth Olympics in 2029.
“Sport is not just about winning medals but also winning hearts,” he said.