PM Modi: India Gearing Up to Host 2036 Olympics and 2030 Commonwealth Games
Varanasi, January 4, 2026 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi today emphatically declared that India is preparing with “full strength” to host the 2036 Olympic Games, marking a historic milestone in the nation’s sporting ambitions. Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the 72nd National Volleyball Championship via video conference, the Prime Minister also confirmed that India has secured the hosting rights for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, which will serve as a critical precursor to the Olympic bid.
A Decade of Proven Capability
The Prime Minister highlighted that India’s bid is backed by a decade of successful hosting experience. He noted that several Indian cities have organized more than 20 major international events since 2014, including the FIFA Under-17 World Cup, the Hockey World Cup, and prestigious global chess tournaments.
“Our victory depends on coordination, trust, and preparation,” PM Modi remarked, drawing a parallel between the teamwork seen in volleyball and India’s national development. He asserted that hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games would provide the necessary momentum to upgrade infrastructure and streamline organizational protocols required for the 2036 Summer Olympics.
The Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar Vision
While the official bid is a national endeavor, reports indicate that Ahmedabad is the primary contender to be the host city. A massive infrastructure plan involving the twin-city development of Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar is already in motion, with a proposed budget ranging from ₹34,700 crore to ₹64,000 crore.
Key highlights of the preparation include:
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Infrastructure: Upgrading stadiums to Olympic standards and developing a state-of-the-art Olympic Village.
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Athlete Support: Programs like the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) and Khelo India are being scaled to identify and nurture talent.
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New Policies: The Prime Minister mentioned the National Sports Governance Act and the Khelo Bharat Policy 2025, aimed at increasing transparency and professionalism within sports bodies.
Strategic Roadmap to 2036
Hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2030 is seen as a strategic “test run.” India last hosted the CWG in Delhi in 2010; the 2030 edition aims to showcase a modern, efficient, and technologically advanced India. International Cricket Council (ICC) Chairman Jay Shah also recently voiced support for this vision, suggesting that India must aim for a haul of 100 medals by the 2036 Games to truly establish its status as a sporting superpower.
National Pride and Holistic Development
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who also attended the event in Varanasi, emphasized that sports are no longer viewed as a “waste of time” but as a pillar of holistic development. The 72nd National Volleyball Championship, featuring over 1,000 players from 28 states, serves as a “living example of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat,” according to the Prime Minister.
As the government enters active dialogues with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the next few years will see a massive push in sports funding and stadium construction across the country.
