On a day when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) voted to include cricket in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic programme, India’s ambition to host the 2036 edition of the quadrennial sporting spectacle received a thumbs up from Eric Garcetti, the US Ambassador to India.
Speaking to News18, Garcetti, the former Mayor of Los Angeles who had led the city’s successful bid for the 2028 Olympics, said: “India is the most cricket-crazy country in the world. This is the fastest present we could give to India and to the fans of cricket, especially two days after India defeated Pakistan (in the ICC World Cup match).”
Garcetti also lauded the hospitality of IOC member Nita Ambani at the 141st IOC Session at the Jio World Centre in Mumbai and backed India’s pitch to host the Olympics in 2036. “I told Prime Minister Narendra Modi ‘if you want any advice on Olympic bid, am willing to help’.”
Prime Minister Modi had on Saturday asserted that India will leave “no stone unturned” in its efforts to organise the 2036 Olympics and expressed a strong desire for the country to host the biggest sporting event in the world.
Speaking after declaring open the 141st Session of the IOC, PM Modi also said that India wishes to host the 2029 Youth Olympics. “Indians are very excited about hosting the Olympics Games. India will leave no stone unturned in organising the 2036 Olympics,” he had said during his address to the IOC Session delegation and a host of other invitees at the Jio World Convention Centre.
“This is a dream of 140 crore Indians. We want to fulfil this dream with your support. We are willing to host the 2029 Youth Olympics. I am sure India will get constant support from IOC,” PM Modi added.
The Sports Ministry had recently said that the government will back Indian Olympic Association’s bid for hosting the games.
The last time India hosted a multi-sport event was the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, although the country has organised several other prestigious tournaments such as the Boxing World Championship and the Asian Wrestling Championship in recent past.
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