NEW DELHI: India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has confirmed the world’s most populous nation will bid to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) session in Mumbai on Saturday, Modi said hosting the event is “the age-old dream” for India.
“Indians are not just sports lovers, but we also live it,” Modi said. “India will leave no stone unturned in the preparation for the successful organization of the Olympics in 2036 — this is the dream of the 140 crore (1.4 billion) Indians.”
“We want to realize this dream with your support. I am sure India will get constant support from IOC.”
A city or region wasn’t specified by Modi but Ahmedabad, which boasts the largest stadium in the world with a capacity of 132,000 and is named after the Indian Prime Minister, would be a likely contender as the main host city for the country’s bid.
Indonesia and Mexico have previously expressed official interest in hosting the 2036 Olympics, and last month Poland’s President Andrzej Duda told the IOC it wants to stage the Games.
No firm timeframe has been set by the IOC for when hosting rights for the 2036 Games will be awarded.
The 2036 Summer Games is the next available edition: Paris will host in 2024, Los Angeles in 2028 and Brisbane in 2032.
Modi also told the IOC that India would consider bidding to host the Youth Olympics in 2029.
“Sport is not just about winning medals but also winning hearts,” he said.
Prime Minister Modi says India will bid for 2036 Olympics
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Prime Minister Modi says India will bid for 2036 Olympics
- The 2036 Summer Games is the next available edition: Paris will host in 2024, Los Angeles in 2028 and Brisbane in 2032
Co-host Sri Lanka win toss and bowls in must-win T20 World Cup game against New Zealand
- The game is a must-win for co-host Sri Lanka to have any hope of reaching the semifinals
- England, on 4 points, are the only team already through to the semifinals
COLOMBO: Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka won the toss and elected to bowl in cricket’s T20 World Cup Super 8s match against New Zealand on Wednesday.
The game is a must-win for co-host Sri Lanka to have any hope of reaching the semifinals after losing to England in their Group 2 opener.
England, on 4 points, are the only team already through to the semifinals after defeating Pakistan on Tuesday to make it two wins from two games in Group 2.
New Zealand and Pakistan each have a point after their match was abandoned because of rain.
Sri Lanka dropped opener Kamil Mishara and recalled the experienced Charith Asalanka. New Zealand left out Jimmy Neesham and brought in Cole McConchie.
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Lineups:
Sri Lanka: Dasun Shanaka (captain), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dunith Wellalage, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka.
New Zealand: Mitchell Santner (captain), Tim Seifert, Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Cole McConchie, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson.
