India gearing up to host 2036 Olympics, says PM Modi at National Volleyball Championship

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, January 4, said India is preparing with full strength to host the 2036 Olympic Games, underlining the government’s commitment to expanding competitive opportunities for Indian athletes by bringing major global sporting events to the country.

Addressing the inauguration of the 72nd Senior National Volleyball Championship in Varanasi via video conference from New Delhi, the Prime Minister said hosting international tournaments is central to building confidence, exposure, and experience among young players.

Mega sporting events at the core of sports policy

The Prime Minister confirmed that India will host the 2030 Commonwealth Games and is actively working toward securing the 2036 Olympic Games.

He said the objective is clear. To give more and more Indian players the chance to compete at the highest level without leaving the country during their formative years.

According to Mr. Modi, flagship programmes such as Khelo India have already transformed access to competitive sport, enabling hundreds of young athletes to progress to national platforms.

Focus on athletes, infrastructure and transparency

Highlighting reforms over the past decade, Mr. Modi said initiatives like the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) have reshaped India’s sports ecosystem.

He pointed to investment in modern infrastructure, athlete funding, scientific training, nutrition support, and global exposure as pillars of the new approach.

India has hosted more than 20 major international sporting events in the last 10 years, including the FIFA Under-17 World Cup, Hockey World Cup, and high-profile international chess tournaments, reflecting its growing credibility as a global host.

Sports governance reforms underway

The Prime Minister said the upcoming National Sports Governance Act and the Khelo Bharat Policy 2025 will further strengthen transparency and ensure that talent is identified and nurtured fairly.

He underlined that these reforms aim to allow young athletes to progress in both sports and education simultaneously, addressing a long-standing challenge faced by families and players.

Varanasi’s growing role in Indian sport

Mr. Modi expressed satisfaction that Varanasi is emerging as a recognised sporting destination. He said hosting a national-level tournament has placed the city firmly on India’s sports map.

The National Volleyball Championship, being held from January 4 to January 11, features over 1,000 players from 58 teams across the country.

Volleyball and India’s development journey

Drawing a metaphor from the sport itself, the Prime Minister said volleyball mirrors India’s growth story.

Success, he said, depends on coordination, trust, shared responsibility, and collective effort, values that also define the country’s development path.

Why this matters now

India’s push to host the 2036 Olympics reflects a strategic shift from participation to leadership in global sport. For athletes, it promises greater exposure and improved pathways. For cities, it means investment, infrastructure, and international visibility. For governance, it marks a move toward accountability and athlete-first policy.

What to watch next

The next signals will come from international Olympic bodies and the rollout of the National Sports Governance Act. How quickly infrastructure plans and hosting bids take shape will determine how close India moves toward its 2036 Olympic ambition.