Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday confirmed that India is making preparations to become the host of the Olympic Games in 2036. In his address to the nation from Delhi's iconic Red Fort on the occasion of the 78th Independence Day, PM Modi described it as a 'dream of India'.
"India organising the G20 Summit on a large scale has proven that India has the capability to organise large-scale events... It is the dream of India to host the 2036 Olympics; we are making preparations for that," PM Modi said in his speech.
So far, the largest multi-sport games India has hosted are the Asian Games in 1951 and 1982, and the 2010 Commonwealth Games. All three were hosted in the national capital, New Delhi.
Also read:?India 'Seriously' Considering 2036 Olympic Games Bid
Los Angeles will host the next Olympics in 2028, followed by Brisbane, in Australia, in 2032. With Europe, America, and Australia having already hosted the Olympic Games, an Asian country is likely to emerge as the host in 2036. Apart from India, Saudi Arabia and Qatar are also likely to throw their hats into the ring to host the 2036 Olympics.
Also read:?Indians share hilarious takes on which Indian city could potentially host the 2036 Olympics
In his Independence Day speech, PM Modi also hailed the Indian Olympic contingent, who were in attendance.
"Today, we also have with us the youth who made the Indian flag fly high in the Olympics. On behalf of 140 crore countrymen, I congratulate all our athletes and players," Modi said.
He also conveyed his best wishes to the Indian Paralympic contingent who will compete in the Paris Paralympic Games 2024.
"In the next few days, a huge contingent of India will leave for Paris to participate in the Paralympics. I extend my best wishes to all our Paralympians," the Indian PM said.
For more news and current affairs?from around the world, please visit?Indiatimes News.