Prime Minister Narendra Modi has declared that India is preparing with full strength to host the 2036 Olympic Games, linking this mega sporting ambition to the nation's broader development journey. Speaking virtually at the inaugural ceremony of the 72nd Senior National Volleyball Championship in Varanasi, the Prime Minister emphasized that hosting events like the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad is creating greater competitive opportunities for athletes.
Teamwork Mantra: Volleyball Parallels India's Growth
Drawing a vivid parallel with volleyball, PM Modi outlined a philosophy of collective effort. "I see so many parallels between India's development story and volleyball," he stated. The Prime Minister explained that the sport teaches that no victory is achieved alone, and success depends on coordination, trust, and team readiness. He extended this analogy to the national level, stating that from cleanliness drives to digital payments and the campaign for a developed India, every citizen is working with a collective 'India First' consciousness.
Addressing nearly 1,000 members from 30 men's and 28 women's teams, Modi praised the 'Team First' mantra inherent in volleyball, where individual skills merge into collective success. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak were present on the occasion.
From Apathy to Athlete-Centric Model: A Decade of Change
PM Modi contrasted the current sports environment with the past, asserting that sports were never a priority for previous governments. He credited the shift after 2014 for steadily improving India's performance across various disciplines. "Today we feel immense pride to see Gen Z hoisting the tricolour on the field," he said, noting that a decade ago, an apathetic attitude from both the government and society discouraged youth from considering sports as a viable career.
The Prime Minister detailed the transformation into an 'athlete-centric' model, focused on talent identification, scientific training, nutrition, and transparent selection. He highlighted a significantly increased sports budget and key policy reforms like the National Sports Governance Act and the Khelo Bharat Policy 2025, designed to provide opportunities to the right talent and increase transparency in sports organizations.
Building the Pathway to 2036: Infrastructure and Exposure
Underlining the concrete steps towards the 2036 Olympic ambition, PM Modi listed initiatives building a robust sports ecosystem. The Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOP) is strengthening infrastructure and funding, while providing global exposure to young athletes. He noted that in the past decade, India has hosted over 20 major international events, including the FIFA Under-17 World Cup, Hockey World Cup, and major chess tournaments.
At the grassroots level, the Khelo India campaign is exposing school-level athletes to Olympic sports, with hundreds advancing to the national level. Modi emphasized that these reforms allow youth to progress simultaneously in sports and education.
Concluding on a note of confidence, the Prime Minister connected India's economic growth to its rising stature in sports. He stated that the nation is on a 'Reform Express', with every sector, including sports, connected to its destination of development. "The 2030 Commonwealth Games will be held in India, and the country is making strong efforts to host the 2036 Olympics," he reaffirmed, promising more competitive platforms for athletes in the run-up to these mega events.
