India eyes 2036 Olympics! PM Modi announces nationwide talent hunt to identify young athletes

Addressing the nation from the Red Fort on Independence Day, Modi said India’s performance in international sports has been steadily improving and highlighted the country’s ambition to host the Olympics in 2036.

“Bharat's performance in the world of sports is steadily improving, and we are moving forward as strong contenders to host the 2036 Olympics. Bharat is also going to host the Commonwealth Games in 2030,” Modi said.

The Prime Minister noted that the Olympic Games feature around 40 sports and 325–350 events, but said India currently does not participate or qualify in nearly two-thirds of them.

“In nearly two-thirds of these 325 events, Bharat does not even participate. We are not present; we do not qualify. We have decided that we want the 2036 Olympics to be held in Bharat. Bharat must focus on these areas. We also want to launch a talent-hunt campaign,” he said.

Linking the 2036 Olympic ambition to long-term athlete development, Modi said India must begin identifying sporting talent among children at an early age.

“If we need athletes for 2036, we must focus today on these young boys and girls who are 5, 10 or 15 years old. We must pay attention to our daughters as well. A talent-hunt campaign will be conducted in villages, cities and schools across the country to identify sporting talent among children aged between 5 and 15,” he said.

Under the campaign, children identified for their sporting abilities will undergo assessment and receive specialised training to help them develop into athletes capable of representing India at the international level.

The initiative is aimed at creating a strong pipeline of athletes as India seeks to strengthen its case for hosting the 2036 Olympics.