India Ready To Host 2036 Summer Olympics: Anurag Thakur

Former BCCI President Anurag Thakur. (Photo credit SAJJAD HUSSAIN/AFP/Getty Images)

Anurag Thakur, India’s Youth Affairs and Sports Minister, made an electrifying announcement, outlining India’s ambitious Olympic aspirations.

Thakur expressed a firm commitment to elevating India’s performance on the international stage, setting a goal to enhance the country’s medal count at the Paris Olympics in 2024. In a bold move, Thakur further revealed plans to position India as a host for major international sporting events in the future.

“We will increase our medals tally at the Paris Olympics 2024. We are ready to host the 2030 Youth Olympics and the 2036 Summer Olympics in India,” Anurag Thakur said at the NDTV Yuva Conclave.

In support of this vision, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had previously expressed India’s keenness to host the 2036 Olympics during the IOC session in Mumbai last year, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to establishing itself as a global sports powerhouse.

Also Read: What does the future hold for cricket at the Gabba after Brisbane’s latest Olympic plan?

Cricket to be included at Los Angeles 2028 Olympics

In an interesting development, it is worth noting that the game of cricket is all set to be included as a sporting event at the 2028 Olympics, scheduled to be held in Los Angeles. Reportedly, the event will be played in 20-over format, however, there were rumours that T10 format may also be considered for hosting the sport in the quadrennial event.

Earlier in 2023, chairman of the International Cricket Council Greg Barclay shared the confirmation that the International Olympics Committee (IOC) had approved inclusion of the game as a part of the event in Los Angeles.

Also Read: ICC confirm inclusion of Cricket for Los Angeles Olympics 2028

Sharing the news, Barclay said, “We are thrilled that cricket’s inclusion in the LA28 Olympic Games has been confirmed by the IOC Session today. To have the opportunity to showcase our great sport at the LA28 Games and hopefully, many Olympic Games to come will be great for players and fans alike.

“I’d like to thank the International Olympic Committee and LA28 for their support and for their trust in our organization’s ability to deliver a world-class event and countless new Olympic fans from all over the world. The fact that the IOC confirmation of our selection occurred here in Mumbai, during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, is truly icing on the cake. The innings has just begun, and we can’t wait to see where this incredible journey leads.”