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New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address from the Red Fort on the 80th Independence Day on Saturday, reiterated India's claim to host the 2036 Olympics. He said that along with increasing its participation in the Olympics, India will also have to pay attention to those sports and events in which the country has very little or no presence at present.

Modi said that there are about 40 sports and between 325 to 350 events in the Olympics, but India does not participate in a large number of these events. Indian players are not even able to qualify in many sports. He said that India now needs to increase its presence in such sports.

India will run 'Sports Talent Hunt' campaign

The Prime Minister said that the 2036 Olympics should be held in India. He said that there is great potential in the sports in which India has not yet taken part, in which it has not been able to qualify and in the events from which the country has stayed away till now. India will now focus on these areas only. Modi said that a large number of players will be required for the 2036 Olympics. Therefore, 'Sports Talent Hunt Campaign' will be started in the country from today itself in every village, city and school.

Through this campaign, there is a plan to identify talents at an early age and give them better training. The Prime Minister said that special attention will be given to children in the age group of 5 to 15 years. Especially the sports talent of daughters will also be encouraged. After assessing the capabilities of the children, they will be given special training according to their interest and ability, so that they can represent the country in future.

Mentioned about TOPS and 'Khelo India'

Prime Minister Modi said that India has been continuously progressing in the field of sports in the last few years. He described the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) launched in 2014 as an important support system for the players. According to the Prime Minister, this scheme has helped India's top players to perform better at the international level. He also mentioned the work being done in areas like 'Khelo India Games', University Games, Beach Games and Winter Games along with sports training, sports medicine and sports nutrition. He said that now India's performance in international competitions is improving and on many occasions the tricolor is seen at the top.

India to host '2030 Commonwealth Games'

India will host the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad. Ahmedabad is also in the race to host the 2036 Olympics. Prime Minister Modi said that strengthening sports infrastructure and preparation of players will be important for India's Olympic bid. In the recent Commonwealth Games, India won 39 medals, which included 13 gold, 17 silver and 9 bronze medals. India stood fourth in the medal tally. However, the competition was relatively small and did not include India's traditional strong sports such as wrestling, badminton, table tennis, hockey and shooting. Despite this, Indian players performed brilliantly in boxing, judo, weightlifting and para sports.

India eyes Japan Asian Games

Now India's eyes are on the Asian Games to be held in Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya city of Japan from 19 September to 4 October. In such a situation, amidst the bid for 2036 Olympics, the Prime Minister's emphasis on sports talent search campaign is considered important. The focus of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's message from the Red Fort was not just limited to the current medal winning players, but was also on grooming new talent in those sports where India's presence has been weak till now. The government's aim is to identify talents at an early age and provide them with long-term training and necessary facilities, so that India can have a strong and wide sports talent base by the possible hosting of the 2036 Olympics.