Lauding the performance of Indian athletes at the Paris Games, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Independence Day said that it is the country's dream to host the 2036 Olympics. We have started preparations for it, "Modi said at an event at the Red Fort.
Along with India, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey are keen to host the Olympics. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) elections are scheduled for next year. "It is the dream of entire India to host the 2036 Olympics. We have started preparations for that, "he said.
The Prime Minister said that the world has seen the quality of India's infrastructure through the successful hosting of the G20 Summit in New Delhi and other cities in September last year. Modi also said that India's ability to organise large-scale events has also been proven. IOC President Thomas Bach has backed India's bid to host the Tokyo Olympics. Bach's term ends next year. The last time India hosted a tournament of this magnitude was in 2010. The Commonwealth Games were held in Delhi. Ahmedabad is the host city for the 2036 Olympic Games.
Olympic medalists feted
On Independence Day, Modi praised the athletes who represented India at the Paris Olympics. "The youth who are raising the flag of India in the Olympics are with us today. On behalf of 140 crore countrymen, I congratulate all our sportspersons, "he said.
Shooter Manu Bhaker, who won two bronze medals at the Paris Olympics, and star goalkeeper P.V. R Sreejesh and the Indian men's hockey team.
Best wishes for the Paralympics
The Prime Minister also conveyed his best wishes to the Indian athletes participating in the upcoming Paralympics. The Paris Paralympics will be held from August 28 to September 8. "In the next few days, another team of India will leave for the Paralympics. I congratulate them, "Modi said. India won 19 medals, including five gold, at the Tokyo Paralympics. A team of 84 para-athletes will participate in the event in Paris.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the Olympians at his residence on Thursday. Modi also spoke to shooter Manu Bhaker, who won two bronze medals in the women's 10 metre pistol event in Paris. The Indian men's hockey team, which won its second consecutive bronze medal at the Olympics, also presented a 'hockey stick' to Modi. All the players signed it. Bronze medalist wrestler Aman Sehrawat presented his signed jersey to PM Modi. "Delighted to meet the Indian contingent that represented the country at the Paris Olympics. Learnt from their experiences and congratulated them on their performance in the tournament, "Modi wrote on Twitter.