India has set its sights on hosting the 2030 Youth Olympics, a stepping stone towards its ultimate goal of hosting the 2036 Olympics. The announcement was made by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya at the 44th General Assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).
The 2030 Youth Olympics, the fifth edition of the event, will serve as a precursor to India’s bid for the 2036 Olympics. “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we are going to bid for the 2030 Youth Olympics, but our focus remains on hosting the 2036 Olympics,” Mandaviya stated.
India’s bid for the 2030 Youth Olympics is part of its broader strategy to establish itself as a global sporting hub. The country has successfully hosted several major international sporting events in recent years, including the Cricket World Cups and the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
“Under Modiji’s leadership, we have been able to host multiple international sporting events,” added BJP president JP Nadda, who was the chief guest at the OCA General Assembly.
India will face competition from several other countries for the hosting rights of the 2030 Youth Olympics, including Peru, Colombia, Mexico, Thailand, Mongolia, Russia, Ukraine, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Youth Olympics, first held in 2010, are a multi-sport event for young athletes aged 15 to 18. The event aims to promote the Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect, while also providing a platform for young athletes to showcase their talents.
India’s bid for the 2030 Youth Olympics is a testament to its growing stature in the global sporting arena. The country has a rich sporting history and a passionate fan base, making it an ideal candidate to host major sporting events.