Modi: India to Target All 2036 Olympic Events

The Cliff News | 15 August 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared on Independence Day that India must strive to compete in every sporting discipline at the 2036 Olympics. The ambitious target was set during his annual address from the Red Fort in New Delhi, emphasizing a significant push for national athletic prowess.

To support this vision, the Prime Minister also unveiled plans for a nationwide talent identification programme. This initiative aims to discover young individuals with sporting potential and provide them with access to high-quality training, state-of-the-art facilities, and comprehensive support systems.

Elevating India's Sporting Landscape

Speaking to the nation, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the growing presence of India in the global sporting arena. He noted the increasing frequency of hearing the national anthem and witnessing the hoisting of the tricolour at international events.

"India is making space for itself in the world of sports. We hear our national anthem frequently and see our tri-colour going up very often. Whether it is Khelo India Games, University Games, Beach Games, Winter Games, or sports training, sports medicine, sports nutrition, India is moving ahead at great pace,"

he stated, underscoring the success of programs like the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) and various domestic sporting initiatives.

 

The 2036 Olympic Ambition

The Prime Minister expressed a strong belief in India's potential to become an Olympic host in 2036, citing the country's improving performance and growing competitiveness. However, he also pointed out a critical gap in current achievements.

He lamented that India is unable to qualify for approximately two-thirds of the events held at the Olympics, which comprise around 40 disciplines and nearly 350 events. This shortfall underscores the necessity of the newly announced talent identification and development programmes.

Future Preparations and Hosting Opportunities

The goal of participating in every Olympic event by 2036 signifies a long-term commitment to sports development in the country. This national drive is further bolstered by India's upcoming role as host of the Commonwealth Games in 2030, an event that will provide significant experience in managing large-scale international sporting competitions.

The nationwide talent hunt is expected to systematically scout for promising athletes across diverse sports, ensuring that no potential talent is overlooked. The government's commitment to providing resources for training, sports medicine, and nutrition is seen as crucial in nurturing these budding athletes to international standards.