Modi Inaugurates 141st International Olympic Committee Session, Emphasize India’s Aspiration to Host the 2036 Summer Olympics
On 14th October 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 141st International Olympic Committee (IOC) session in the Jio World Center, Mumbai. While addressing the gathering, Modi confirmed India’s bid to host the 2036 Olympics. Moreover, he also highlighted the willingness of India to host the 2026 Youth Olympics.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar received Modi at Mumbai Airport.
India’s Olympics Dream
India has set its sights on hosting the prestigious 2036 Summer Olympics, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi confirming this ambitious aspiration. In a landmark moment, he expressed India’s enthusiasm for organizing this quadrennial global sports spectacle, underlining the nation’s unwavering commitment to turning this dream into a reality. If successful, India will join the ranks of only three other Asian countries that have had the honor of hosting the Olympic Games.
A Dream for 140 Crore Indians
Prime Minister Modi made this momentous declaration in the inauguration of the 141st session of the IOC emphasizing the significance of India hosting the IOC session for the first time in 40 years. He also conveyed the nation’s readiness to host the 2029 Youth Olympics, expressing confidence in continuous support from the IOC. However, the specific Indian city bidding to host the Games was not disclosed.
India’s desire to host the Olympics is deeply rooted in the aspirations of its vast population, totaling 140 crore (1.4 billion) individuals. This aspiration reflects the nation’s unwavering commitment to leave no stone unturned in its efforts to organize the 2036 Olympics.
A Sporting Nation
Prime Minister Modi celebrated India’s sports-loving culture, which has been an integral part of the nation’s lifestyle for centuries. He underscored that in Indian villages, no festival is complete without sports. In addition to being passionate about sports, Indians truly live and breathe it. This enduring love for sports has enriched India’s cultural fabric.
The Prime Minister emphasized the universal spirit of sports, stating that there are no losers in sports, only winners and learners. He emphasized the universality of the language and spirit of sports, highlighting that sports extend beyond mere competition. They offer humanity a unique opportunity to expand and unite. Records achieved in sports are celebrated worldwide, and they contribute to the spirit of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” – One Earth, One Family, One Future.
Empowering Through Sports
Prime Minister Modi presented a comprehensive overview of India’s recent efforts to bolster its sports landscape. These initiatives include the Khelo India Games, Khelo India Youth Games, Khelo India Winter Games, Member of Parliament sports competitions, and the forthcoming Khelo India Para Games. These programs exemplify India’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity in sports, ensuring that all segments of the population have the opportunity to engage in sporting activities.
India’s performance in international events has been exemplary, and the nation is making its mark on the global sports stage. These accomplishments further demonstrate India’s dedication to becoming a sporting powerhouse.
A Rich Sporting Legacy
Prime Minister Modi delved into India’s illustrious sporting heritage, which spans thousands of years. He highlighted how India’s sporting legacy is deeply ingrained in its history. This heritage is evident throughout different eras, from the Indus Valley civilization and the Vedic period to the present day. India has always excelled in various sports, including horse riding, swimming, archery, and wrestling.
The Prime Minister provided scientific evidence of India’s ancient sporting legacy, citing the Dholavira UNESCO World Heritage site in Gujarat, which unveiled evidence of a sports infrastructure dating back 5,000 years. During excavations, two stadiums were discovered, with one being recognized as the oldest and largest stadium in the world at that time. Similar structures related to sports were also found in Rakhigarhi. Prime Minister Modi asserted that India’s sporting heritage belongs not only to the nation but to the entire world.
Sports: A Unifying Force
Prime Minister Modi emphasized that sports extend far beyond the quest for medals; they are a medium for winning hearts. Sports belong to everyone and hold the potential to foster peace, progress, and well-being. The unifying power of sports transcends borders, and it has the ability to bring the world together. Prime Minister Modi, in a symbolic gesture, officially declared the IOC session open in the presence of IOC President Thomas Bach and Nita Mukesh Ambani, an IOC member.
Way Forward
India’s dream to host the 2036 Summer Olympics reflects the nation’s deep-rooted commitment to sports and unity. With a rich sporting legacy and the enthusiasm of its 1.4 billion citizens, India aspires to create a memorable Olympic experience. The journey toward achieving this ambitious goal will require dedication, cooperation, and a shared love for sports. In setting its sights on this dream, India aims to write another chapter in the global history of sports and continue to inspire generations to come.
