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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reiterated India’s ambition to host the 2036 Olympic Games, saying the country is continuing to work towards that goal while preparing to stage the 2030 Commonwealth Games.
Modi made the remarks on October 11, 2026, during the golden jubilee celebrations of Jaigopal Garodia Hindu Vidyalaya in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. According to the Prime Minister’s Office release published by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), he highlighted the opportunities that major international sporting events could create for India’s younger generation.
Addressing the gathering in Chennai, Modi referred to India’s preparations for the 2030 Commonwealth Games and its continuing ambition to bring the Olympics to the country in 2036.
The statement reinforces the government’s publicly expressed interest in hosting major international sporting events. Such events can create opportunities to expand sporting infrastructure, increase participation and expose more young athletes to high-level competition.
The announcement, however, represents a reaffirmation of India’s ambition rather than confirmation that the country has secured the Olympic hosting rights.
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has presented “Rising Together” as the vision for India’s proposed 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games bid, with Ahmedabad in Gujarat at its centre.
According to the IOA’s October 7, 2026, announcement, the proposal is intended to connect the development of sport in India with the Olympic Movement’s ambition to reach new audiences and communities.
India submitted its expression of interest to host the 2036 Games in 2024. Its proposal has since been developed through engagement with the IOC.
India is currently among seven countries participating in the IOC’s Continuous Dialogue process concerning the 2036 Olympic Games.
The seven interested parties are:
Germany
Hungary
India
Qatar
Republic of Korea
South Africa
Türkiye
The IOC has invited these interested parties to present their Games projects to its Future Host Commission in November 2026. The projects will be assessed on factors including venue plans, athlete experience, funding, public and political support, delivery capabilities and long-term legacy.
The IOC’s revised process includes further dialogue and assessment stages. The host country is expected to be selected in 2029, following the applicable evaluation and decision-making process.
Hosting the Olympics could provide India with an opportunity to expand sports facilities, strengthen athlete-development programmes and encourage wider public participation in sport.
The proposed Games also place attention on the country's ability to deliver major multi-sport events, including venue readiness, funding commitments, governance, athlete welfare and long-term use of infrastructure.
These considerations will form part of the broader challenge of moving from an expression of interest to a successful host selection. The outcome will depend on the IOC’s assessment and decision-making process, rather than on statements of ambition alone.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s latest remarks underline India’s continuing interest in hosting the 2036 Olympic Games as preparations for the 2030 Commonwealth Games move forward.
With Ahmedabad at the centre of the proposed Olympic vision, the next steps involve presenting the project to the IOC and progressing through its host-selection process. India’s Olympic ambition remains an active proposal, with the final hosting decision still ahead.
Press Information Bureau (PIB), Government of India — “While India prepares to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, we are also moving forward with the dream of hosting the 2036 Olympics: PM.” Published October 11, 2026.
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2322003&lang=1®=3
Supports the date, venue and substance of Modi’s remarks.
News18 — “PM Narendra Modi reiterates India moving forward with 2036 Olympic hosting dream.”
https://www.news18.com/amp/sports/other-sports/pm-narendra-modi-reiterates-india-moving-forward-with-2036-olympic-hosting-dream-ws-klrt-10377618.html
Original source supplied for this report.
Indian Olympic Association (IOA) — “India Sets Out Vision for its 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games Ambition Following IOC Announcement.” Published October 7, 2026.
https://olympic.ind.in/news/india-sets-out-vision-for-its-2036-olympic-and-paralympic-games-ambition-following-ioc-announcement/
Supports the “Rising Together” vision and Ahmedabad focus.
Reuters — “India among seven countries vying for 2036 Olympics, IOC says.” Published October 6, 2026.
https://www.reuters.com/sports/india-among-seven-countries-vying-2036-olympics-ioc-says-2026-10-06/
Supports the list of interested parties and the status of the IOC process.
