India’s Modi champions bid for 2036 Olympics in Independence Day speech
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced India’s ambitions of hosting the 2036 summer Olympics in his first Independence Day speech after taking office for the third time since 2014.
“India will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to organise the Olympics in India in 2036,” Modi said in his 11th annual address to the South Asian nation.
“This is the age-old dream of 140 crore (1.4 billion) Indians ... it is their aspiration ... This dream has to be built with your cooperation and support,” the 73-year-old added.
The declaration of intent came on the heels of India initiating a dialogue with the Future Host Commission of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in a first step towards the bidding process, the government has told parliament.
Modi’s pitch
Modi, kicking off India’s 78th Independence Day celebrations, argued the country’s successes in hosting global events established its capacity.
“India organising the G20 Summit (last September) has proven that we have the capability to organise large-scale events,” he said in Hindi language as the day was celebrated in several countries.
Modi’s potential bid is expected to draw the backing of India’s richest man Mukesh Ambani who runs the 100-billion-euro Reliance Industries group, media reported.
IOC President Thomas Bach has said India had a "strong case" to stake its claim for the 2036 Games.
The 2028 Games will be held in Los Angeles while Brisbane will host the 2032 fixture.
Read more on RFI English
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