Prime Minister Narendra Modi is optimistic about Bharat’s bid to host the 2036 Olympics, urging athletes heading to the Paris Games to provide feedback on the preparations. In a recent interaction, he asserted on the importance of creating a robust sports environment and highlighted ongoing infrastructure developments in anticipation of the global event.
During the session attended by prominent athletes including Neeraj Chopra and the national men’s hockey team, PM Modi encouraged them to assess the arrangements in Paris, stressing their role in enhancing Bharat’s bid strategy. The discussion, shared by the PM’s office, also included Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and IOA President PT Usha.
“I won’t ask you to do anything in the middle of your events but when you are free, I would urge you to observe the arrangements. Your inputs will help our bid for 2036. We will have an understanding on how to make sure that we are better-prepared,” he added in his closing remarks to the athletes.
The upcoming Games will be held from July 26 to August 11 and Bharat would be hoping to better its best-ever tally of seven medals, including Chopra’s historic javelin throw gold, achieved in the Tokyo Games. Over 100 Indian sportspersons have qualified for the Games, including an unprecedented 21 shooters aiming to end the medal drought of the last two editions.
Bharat has repeatedly asserted its desire to host the Games and found support from International Olympic Committee (IOC) chief Thomas Bach. However, securing the rights won’t be easy, with strong contenders like Qatar and Saudi Arabia expected to compete.
A decision on the 2036 Games host is not expected before next year’s IOC elections, where a new President is expected to take charge.
