Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the opening ceremony of the 141st Session of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in Mumbai on October 14, announced India's commitment to host the 2036 Olympics.
India is conducting the IOC session for the first time in 40 years. The country hosted its previous IOC session in New Delhi in 1983.
"Indians are very excited about hosting the Olympics Games. India will leave no stone unturned in organising the 2036 Olympics," said PM Modi during his address to the IOC Session delegation.
"This is a dream of 140 crore Indians. We want to fulfil this dream with your support. We are willing to host the 2029 Youth Olympics. I am sure India will get constant support from IOC," PM Modi added.
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PM Modi also emphasised the value of sports in India.
"The spirit of sports is universal," said PM Modi. "There are no losers, there are only winners and learners in sports. Sports empower humanity. Whoever breaks records, everyone welcomes it," he added.
Nita Ambani acknowledges PM Modi's role in India's rise in sports
Nita Ambani, IOC member and the Founder Chairperson of the Reliance Foundation, during her opening address at the session, praised PM Modi for helping to improve India's standing in sports. The country has advanced into a dominant force in sports under the leadership of the PM, the member added.
Nita Ambani said, "Respected Prime Minister, we are filled with immense joy and gratitude that you have joined us today. You are the leader of the world's largest democracy, the Architect of New India. Your support to sport has made this session in India a reality."
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While welcoming IOC President Thomas Bach, and the delegates from the IOC, Ambani said: "It is an absolute honour for us to host this historic IOC Session in India after 40 years, and in Mumbai for the first time ever! Aamchi Mumbai ─ our Mumbai ─ welcomes all of you."
"One is the Olympic Movement, which unites humanity and transcends all national, racial, religious, and linguistic barriers. The other is India, the world’s largest democracy as the host of this meeting," she added.
Ambani also congratulated the country's athletes for their remarkable performance at the recently concluded 2023 Asian Games, and said: "Our young girls and boys are exhibiting incredible talent in diverse sporting arenas around the world. Most recently, they have made us all proud at the Asian Games in China. Many of them come from very humble backgrounds. Some of them are in our midst today. Let’s give them a huge round of applause."
Thomas Bach commends India's advancement in sports
During his earlier address to the gathering, IOC President Thomas Bach acknowledged that India's stature in the world of sports has been growing.
Bach said, "India is an inspiring place. The entire Olympic community in India can be proud of the Asian Games performance." Bach emphasized the influence of artificial intelligence on future Games, stating that the Paris Olympics in 2024 will mark the conclusion of the pre-artificial intelligence era for the Games.
The 141st session of the IOC will be held in Mumbai from October 15 to 17.
(With inputs from Agencies)
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