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India is gearing up to host the Olympics in 2036, as announced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah during the closing ceremony of the 38th National Games in Uttarakhand. Speaking at the Indira Gandhi International Sports Complex in Dehradun on 14 February, Shah expressed confidence in the country’s ability to stage the prestigious event, underscoring India’s growing influence in global sports.
“I can say it today that India has a very bright future in sports. We have staked a claim to host the Olympics in 2036, and we are ready for it. When the Olympics are held here, our athletes will win medals and make the country’s flag fly high,” Shah stated, drawing loud cheers from the packed stadium. His bold assertion signals India’s ambition to join the ranks of nations that have hosted the world’s biggest sporting event.
The lively closing ceremony marked the end of the 38th National Games, which showcased exceptional athletic talent and organisational capabilities. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami received high praise for his efforts in transforming the state from ‘Dev Bhoomi’ (Land of Gods) to ‘Khel Bhoomi’ (Land of Sports). Shah acknowledged Dhami’s dedication, noting that Uttarakhand’s infrastructure development and athletes’ performance contributed to its impressive rise from 21st to 7th place in the medal tally.
The ceremony witnessed a vibrant cultural show, including a dance performance dedicated to Lord Shiva and a video segment showcasing the most memorable moments of the Games. Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha officially declared the Games closed and handed over the flag to Conrad Sangma, Chief Minister of Meghalaya, which will host the next edition in 2027.
The 38th National Games concluded with Services Sports Control Board (SSCB) topping the medal tally with 121 medals, including 59 golds. Maharashtra secured second place with 107 medals, followed by Haryana with 99 medals. Held across seven venues in Uttarakhand, the Games saw over 900 medals awarded, highlighting the growing pool of Indian athletic talent.
Amit Shah emphasised the government’s commitment to developing a world-class sports ecosystem. “When Modi became PM in 2014, our sports budget was Rs 800 crore. Now, it is set to rise to Rs 3800 crore,” he said, attributing this increase to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for nurturing young athletes. He pointed out that India’s medal tally in the Commonwealth Games rose from 15 in 2014 to 26 recently, while the Asian Games medal count increased from 57 to 107.
Highlighting India’s Olympic ambitions, Shah stated that the country’s bid to host the 2036 Games is progressing steadily, with a decision expected from the International Olympic Committee next year. If successful, India would become the fourth Asian nation to host the Summer Olympics, following Japan, South Korea, and China.
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya shared his optimism about India’s sporting future, predicting that the country would break into the top 10 of the Olympic medal tally by 2036. He commended Uttarakhand for hosting the event flawlessly, remarking, “Uttarakhand has shown the world that it is not just Dev Bhoomi but also Khel Bhoomi.”
As the vibrant ceremony concluded, Shah and Dhami presented awards to the top performers – SSCB, Maharashtra, and Haryana. The evening ended on a high note with fireworks and cultural performances, celebrating India’s rich heritage and athletic spirit.
India’s bold Olympic bid, combined with its impressive showcase at the National Games, reflects a growing vision for the future of Indian sports. As preparations for the 2036 Olympics gain momentum, the country’s journey to becoming a global sports powerhouse seems more promising than ever.
