Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya (X)
Mandaviya also hghlighted the role of programs such as the Khelo India initiative and its success in producing world-class athletes who represent India at the highest levels.
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced that India has set its eyes on bidding to host the 2030 Youth Olympic Games and the 2036 Summer Olympics at the 44th OCA General Assembly Meeting on Sunday.
Speaking at the esteemed event, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya shared the news of India’s goal to host the international sporting occasion, as a part of their plans to help develop the future of sport in the nation.
“India has successfully hosted global events such as the Commonwealth Games, multiple Cricket World Cups, and the G20 Summit. Now, the nation aims to bid for hosting the Youth Olympics in 2030 and the Summer Olympics in 2036,” stated Mandaiya.
“We want to welcome thousands of athletes and officials with open arms and out world-class hospitality and make their experience of playing in India a lifetime memory.”
Mandaviya also reinstated the backing and support of the government in sport in the nation, highlighting the role of programs such as the Khelo India initiative and its success in producing world-class athletes who represent our country at the highest levels.
“Out of the 170 athletes who represented India and won 6 medals at the Paris Olympics, 28 were Khelo India athletes,” stated Mandaviya.
“Our Paralympics contingent has already clunched 29 medals, their hoghet-ever tally, at the ongoing Paris Paralympics 2024. They also feature 18 of our Khelo India athletes.”
Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers JP Nadda, who was the chief guest at the AGM, also spoke on the importance of sport as a whole, and the role it plays in one’s personal well being as well as a ‘symbol of unity’.
“Sports is not just a competition, it promotes harmony and help in keeping a good mental health,” Nadda stated.
“With our efforts, we can help sports develop as symbol of unity.”
Although India may have failed to perform up to their expectations at the Paris Olympics this year, the Paralympic contingent has scripted history, clinching a record-breaking 29 medals — seven golds, nine silvers and 13 bronze — so far, outdoing their previous best of 19 medals at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics.
The ongoing Paralympics Games will conclude on Sunday following a Closing Ceremony Parade in Paris.
