PM Modi announces India's ambition to host 2036 Olympics in Independence Day speech

During his speech at the Red Fort on the 78th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled India's aspiration to host the 2036 Olympics. Addressing the nation from the historic venue, Modi highlighted the nation's ambition and confirmed that preparations are already underway.

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has initiated discussions with the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) Future Host Commission (FHC) as the first step towards securing the rights to host the 2036 Summer Games. This announcement was corroborated earlier this month by Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, who provided details in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.

The process of awarding hosting rights for the Olympics is managed by the IOC, with the FHC overseeing the selection of potential host cities. The IOC's meticulous process includes evaluating bids based on various criteria to determine the most suitable location for the Games.


In his Independence Day address, Prime Minister Modi extended his congratulations to Indian athletes for their commendable performances at the Paris Olympics. He also sent his best wishes to India's Paralympic athletes, emphasizing the nation's pride in their achievements. Modi underscored the significance of preparing for the 2036 Olympics, affirming that it is a major goal for India.

"We are inspired by the achievements of our athletes who have made the Indian flag proud at the Paris Olympics. A large contingent will soon depart for Paris to compete in the Paralympics, and I wish them the very best. Hosting the 2036 Olympics is a dream we are actively working towards," Modi said.

India is aiming to build on its previous successes, including a record 19 medals at the Tokyo Paralympics and a historic 111 medals at the Para Asian Games. For the upcoming Paris Paralympics, India has assembled its largest-ever contingent, comprising 84 athletes competing across 12 sports such as archery, athletics, badminton, canoeing, and more.

During the Independence Day ceremony, Prime Minister Modi received a warm welcome from Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and other dignitaries. Modi delivered his address as he marked his 11th consecutive Independence Day speech from the Red Fort. This achievement places him among a select group of Prime Ministers, including Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi, to have reached this milestone.

The theme for this year’s Independence Day, 'Viksit Bharat @ 2047,' reflects the government's vision to transform India into a developed nation by the year 2047.