It is India's dream to host 2036 Olympics, says PM Modi during Independence Day speech

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation at the Red Fort, New Delhi on the occasion of India's 78th Independence Day, on Thursday (Aug 15). During his speech, Modi touched upon various aspects and even congratulated the Indian contingent, with some of themin attendance, for their performance in the just-concluded Paris Olympics 2024 edition. In the showpiece event, India ended with six medals. While PM Modi lauded the overall run and wished the paralympic athletes for the upcoming Paralympic Games, he also revealed that it is India's dream to host the 2036 Olympics.

Talking to the nation, PM Modi said, "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. In the next few days, a huge contingent of India will leave for Paris to participate in the Paralympics. I extend best wishes to all our Paralympians."

'India has the ability to organise big events'

He further added, "India organised the G20 Summit in India and hosted over 200 events across the nation. It proved that India has the ability to organise big events. As this has been proven, it is now India's dream to host the 2036 Olympics in India, and we are preparing for that."

It will take a huge task for India to host the marquee tournament in 2036. However, the nation's top leaders have time and again pointed out their desire to aim for hosting the Olympics after 12 years.

Talking about Paris 2024, India ended with just six medals -- one less than their overall tally in Tokyo 2020 (their best-ever). Neeraj Chopra earned silver in men's javelin whereas Manu Bhaker-led shooting squad impressed with three medals (bronze), Aman Sehrawat settled for bronze in men's freestyle 57kg event whereas the Harmanpreet Singh-led Indian hockey team also ended with bronze.