Varanasi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday asserted that India is preparing with full strength to host the 2036 Olympic Games, and declared his government was committed to providing “more and more players greater opportunities to compete” by hosting mega sporting events in the country.
Addressing the inaugural function of the 72nd Senior National Volleyball Championship, being held here, via video conference, Modi said, the government was making every possible effort to provide exposure to budding athletes to take up Olympic sports, and schemes like Khelo India were proving a game-changer in harnessing talent.
“The 2030 Commonwealth Games will be held in India, and the country is making strong efforts to host the 2036 Olympics, with the aim of giving more and more players greater opportunities to compete,” said Modi.
“Through the Khelo India campaign, hundreds of youth have had the chance to advance to the national level,” added Modi.
Noting that initiatives like the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPs) were transforming the sports ecosystem in India, with efforts focused on building strong infrastructure, funding mechanisms, and providing young athletes with global exposure, he said that the country’s growing clout in sport could be gauged from the fact that India had hosted 20 top-notch international competitions in the last 10 years.
“India has hosted more than 20 major international events across several cities, including the FIFA Under-17 World Cup, Hockey World Cup, and major chess tournaments.”
Recalling the time when the government and society were indifferent towards sports, he said that the past decade had brought about a massive change in the country’s mindset.
“The government has significantly increased the sports budget, and today India’s sports model has become athlete-centric, with focus on talent identification, scientific training, nutrition, and transparent selection, ensuring that the interests of players are prioritised at every level,” he said.
“Today the nation is riding on the ‘reform express’, with every sector and every development destination connected to it, and sports being one of them,” he said.
“India’s progress is not limited to the economic front but is also reflected in the confidence seen on the sports field. India’s performance across various sports has consistently improved since 2014,” he added.
Elaborating on the reforms his government had undertaken in sports, the PM said the National Sports Governance Act and the Khelo Bharat Policy 2025 will provide opportunities to the right talent and increase transparency in sports organisations.
He emphasised that these provisions will allow the youth to advance simultaneously in both sports and education.
The PM expressed happiness that Varanasi had come up as a major sporting destination, saying that securing a place on the country’s sporting map through the National Volleyball Competition was highly significant for the city.
The tournament, being held from January 4 to 11, will witness the participation of more than 1,000 players, representing 58 teams, from across the country.
“Hosting the National Volleyball Tournament in Varanasi underscores the growing emphasis on strengthening sports infrastructure and promoting athletic development in the city.”
Drawing parallels between volleyball and the country’s growth, the PM said “I see so many parallels between India’s development story and volleyball.”
“Volleyball teaches us that no victory is achieved alone. Our success depends on our co-ordination, our trust, and our team’s readiness. Everyone has a role to play, a responsibility to fulfill. And we only succeed when everyone performs their role diligently and seriously. Our country is also progressing in the same way.”
Great similarities between sport of volleyball and India’s development story: PM Modi
Terming volleyball as “not just an ordinary sports”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said there were great similarities between the the game and India’s development story.
Addressing the inaugural function of the National Volleyball Championship, being held here, via video conference, Modi said, “Volleyball is not just an ordinary sport. It is a game of balance (santulan), both on this side and the other side of the net. It is a game of cooperation.
“And this game also showcases determination (sankalp) and strength (shakti). Volleyball connects us through team spirit. Every volleyball player’s motto is ‘Team First’. Even though everyone may have different skill levels, all the players play for their team’s victory.”
Elaborating further, Modi said, “And I see so many parallels between India’s development story and volleyball. Volleyball teaches us that no victory is achieved alone. Our success depends on our co-ordination, our trust, and our team’s readiness.
“Everyone has a role to play, a responsibility to fulfil. And we only succeed when everyone performs their role diligently and seriously. Our country is also progressing in the same way.”
He added that from cleanliness to digital payments, and from the ‘Ek Pedh Maa ke Naam’ campaign to the campaign for a developed India, the country was making progress because every citizen, every section of society, and every state was working with a shared consciousness and a spirit of “India First”.
“India’s growth and our economy are receiving widespread praise around the world,”: he said.
The Prime Minister also said that when a country develops, this progress is not limited to the economic front; this confidence is also reflected on the sports field.
“This is what we have been witnessing in every sport over the past few years. Since 2014, India’s performance in various sports has improved. We feel immense pride when we see Gen Z athletes hoisting the Tricolor on the sports field,” Modi said.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, and other ministers were present on this occasion in Varanasi.
The volleyball tournament, being held from January 4 to 11, will witness the participation of more than 1,000 players, representing 58 teams, from across the country.
“The tournament is expected to showcase high standards of competition, sportsmanship, and talent in Indian volleyball,” a release said.
“Hosting the National Volleyball Tournament in Varanasi underscores the growing emphasis on strengthening sports infrastructure and promoting athletic development in the city,” it said.
“It further enhances the city’s profile as a hub for major national events, aligning with its expanding role in hosting significant cultural and sporting initiatives,” the statement said.
