Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reaffirmed India's unwavering commitment to hosting the 2036 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games, announcing that the country is actively preparing with full strength to secure and deliver this landmark event. This ambitious declaration reflects a long-term vision to position India as a leading global sports destination, leveraging recent achievements in sports administration and infrastructure development to build momentum for the Olympic bid.
In his virtual address at the inauguration of the 72nd Senior National Volleyball Championship in Varanasi on January 4, 2026, Modi pointed to India's impressive track record over the past decade. The nation has successfully organized more than 20 major international sporting events, including the U-17 FIFA World Cup, multiple editions of the Men's Hockey World Cup, and high-profile chess tournaments such as the Chess Olympiad. These accomplishments have not only demonstrated organizational excellence but also helped develop robust facilities and expertise essential for hosting the world's largest multisport spectacle.
Modi further emphasized the upcoming 2030 Commonwealth Games, scheduled to take place in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, as a vital preparatory milestone. This edition will mark the centenary of the Commonwealth Games and is expected to feature a streamlined program of 15-17 sports. By serving as a large-scale dress rehearsal, it will allow India to refine logistics, venue management, and athlete support systems, significantly bolstering the credibility of the 2036 Olympic bid, with Ahmedabad positioned as the primary host city in collaboration with Gandhinagar.
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The 72nd Senior National Volleyball Championship, underway from January 4 to 11 at Dr. Sampurnanand Sports Stadium in Varanasi, stands as a testament to India's focus on grassroots sports development. The tournament has drawn over 1,000 athletes representing 58 teams from across the country, creating a platform for intense competition, exemplary sportsmanship, and the emergence of new talent. Such events align closely with national initiatives like Khelo India and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme, aimed at identifying and nurturing potential Olympians from diverse regions.
Hosting this prestigious national championship in Varanasi underscores the government's strategic emphasis on decentralizing sports infrastructure and promoting athletic excellence beyond metropolitan centers. By elevating the profile of this historic city as a venue for major sporting events, the initiative inspires local youth, fosters community engagement, and contributes to the broader national goal of transforming India into a global sports powerhouse by 2047.
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