Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said India is making determined and comprehensive preparations to host the 2036 Olympic Games, underlining the country’s growing confidence and capacity in staging global sporting events.

Addressing the inaugural function of the 72nd National Volleyball Championship through video conference, the Prime Minister highlighted India’s expanding footprint in international sports over the past decade.

“In the past decade, more than 20 major international events have been held in various cities, including the U-17 FIFA World Cup, the , and major chess tournaments,” Modi said.

“The 2030 Commonwealth Game will be held in India. India is preparing with full strength to host the 2036 Olympics,” he added.

The Prime Minister said India’s efforts to host the Olympics are backed by sustained investment in sports infrastructure, athlete development programmes, and reforms aimed at strengthening sports governance. Over the years, new stadiums, high-performance centres, and training academies have come up across the country, alongside improved facilities in Tier-II and Tier-III cities.

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India has also intensified its engagement with international sporting bodies, while positioning sport as a key component of youth development and national branding. The government has repeatedly emphasised that hosting the Olympics would not only be a sporting milestone but also an opportunity to showcase India’s organisational capabilities, cultural diversity, and modern infrastructure to the world.

The National Volleyball Championship, being held in Varanasi from January 4 to 11, has drawn participation from 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,” an official statement said.

It added that hosting the championship in Varanasi reflects a broader push to strengthen sports infrastructure beyond metropolitan centres.

“Hosting the National Volleyball Tournament in Varanasi underscores the growing emphasis on strengthening sports infrastructure and promoting athletic development in the city,” the statement 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,” it added.