November 5, 2024: In a landmark step towards making Prime Minister Narendra Modi's dream of hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games a reality, India has officially entered the race to host the 2036 Summer Olympics. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) submitted a formal Letter of Intent to the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) Future Host Commission on October 1, signaling the nation's intent to bring the prestigious global sporting event to Indian shores.

The bid reflects India's aspirations to become a major player on the global sporting stage and is part of Prime Minister Modi's broader vision to promote sports and youth empowerment across the country. "This monumental opportunity could bring substantial benefits, fostering economic growth, social progress, and youth empowerment," a source close to the bid process confirmed to the media. 

The IOC is set to award the 2036 Games in the coming years, with Los Angeles hosting the 2028 Summer Olympics and Brisbane, Australia, slated for the 2032 edition. However, interest in the 2036 Games has already been immense, with a number of cities from around the world vying for the honor. IOC President Thomas Bach has noted that more than a dozen cities have shown interest in hosting the 2036 Olympics.

Prime Minister Modi has long been a proponent of India hosting the Olympic Games, emphasizing the long-term benefits such an event would bring to the nation, including enhanced infrastructure, global visibility, and a boost to the sporting culture. At a recent Independence Day celebration in New Delhi, Modi highlighted the importance of feedback from Indian athletes who participated in the Paris 2024 Olympics. He suggested that their experiences would play a crucial role in shaping the planning and preparations for the 2036 Games.

The Indian government's commitment to the bid is evident, with support from various sectors, including sports, infrastructure, and the private sector, expected to follow in the coming months. As India embarks on this journey, the focus will be on creating a sustainable and inclusive legacy, ensuring that the Games are not only a global spectacle but also a catalyst for long-term growth and development in India.

As the process moves forward, the eyes of the sporting world will be on India, with the potential to make history as the first Asian country to host the Summer Olympics since China in 2008.