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Before the departure of the players for the Paris Olympics 2024, PM Narendra Modi had a special meeting with them on Friday and gave them the victory mantra. During this, the Prime Minister urged the players to share their experience of the arrangements in Paris to ensure that India's bid to host the Olympics 2036 is successful.
Prime Minister Modi, in a personal and online conversation with the players going to the Paris Olympics, said that those traveling to the French capital would do the country a huge service by strengthening the claim of hosting the 2036 Olympics.
'When you are free, I would urge you to observe the arrangements'
"We are hoping to host the Olympics in 2036, it will help in creating a sporting atmosphere (in the country). Work is in progress to prepare infrastructure for it," The Prime Minister said in the interaction, which was attended by the national men's hockey team, the shooting contingent, boxers and track-and-field stars such as Neeraj Chopra among others.
"I won't ask you to do anything in the middle of your events but when you are free, I would urge you to observe the arrangements. Your inputs will help our bid for 2036. We will have an understanding on how to make sure that we are better-prepared," PM added in his closing remarks to the athletes.
The complete video of the PM's light-hearted conversation with the athletes was shared by his office on Friday. The meeting with the contingent was also attended by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and Indian Olympic Association (IAO) President PT Usha.
India repeatedly asserted its desire to host the Games
India has repeatedly asserted its desire to host the Games and found support from International Olympic Committee (IOC) chief Thomas Bach. However, it would be no walk in the park to secure the rights as several other strong contenders such as Qatar and Saudi Arabia are also expected to throw their hats in the ring.
A decision on the 2036 Olympics host is not expected before next year's IOC elections where a new President is expected to take charge.
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Paris Olympics to start on July 26
The Paris Olympics will be played between 26 July and 11 August. India's best performance so far has been in the Tokyo Olympics, winning seven medals, including Neeraj Chopra's historic gold in the javelin throw. More than 100 Indian players have qualified for the Olympics, including 21 shooters.