Mumbai, Oct 16: Stating that India is eager to host the Olympics in the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday that it will leave no stone unturned in preparation for successful organisation of the Olympics in 2036, as this is the dream of the 140 crore Indians.
Addressing the gathering after inaugurating 141st International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) session here, he emphasised that the nation wishes to fulfil this dream with the support of all stakeholders.
He further said India is also eager to host the Youth Olympics in the year 2029 and expressed confidence that the IOC will continue lending its support to India.
He said, “Sports is not just for winning medals, but is a medium to win hearts. Sports belongs to all for all. It not only prepares champions, but also promotes peace, progress and wellness. Therefore, sports is another medium of uniting the world.”
Underling that global events are an opportunity for India to welcome the world, the Prime Minister emphasised that the country is primed to host global events owing to its fast-expanding economy and well-developed infrastructure.
Citing example of the G20 Summit where events were organised in more than 60 cities of the country, he said that it is proof of India’s organising capacity in every sector.
Emphasising that India has successfully proved its capability to organise global sports tournaments, he mentioned the recently hosted global tournaments such as the Chess Olympiad, Football Under-17 Women’s World Cup, Hockey World Cup, Women’s World Boxing Championship, Shooting World Cup and ongoing Cricket World Cup.
He also stated that the nation organises the largest cricket league in the world every year.
The Prime Minister informed that the IOC Executive Board has recommended including Cricket in the Olympics and expressed confidence that the recommendations will be accepted.
Crediting efforts of the central government for India’s shining performance in the world of sports, the Prime Minister recalled the magnificent performances of many athletes in the last edition of the Olympics and also highlighted India’s best-ever performance in the recently-concluded Asian Games and the new records made by young Indian athletes in the World University Games.
He underlined that the positive changes are a sign of the rapidly transforming landscape of sports in India.
