Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday addressed the 141st International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session at Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) in Mumbai.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister underlined the significance of the session taking place in India after 40 years. He also informed the audience about India’s victory in the Cricket World Cup fixture at the world’s largest stadium in Ahmedabad to the roar of cheers.
PM Modi congratulates Indian cricket team
He congratulated the Indian cricket team after their win against Pakistan in the World Cup. "I congratulate Team India and Indians for a historic victory in a cricket match in Ahmedabad. Sports is an important part of our culture and lifestyle," he said.
'Matter of great pride'
PM Modi said that the IOC Session being held in India after a gap of 40 years is a matter of great pride for Indians.
"Sports strengthen the notion of 'One Earth, One Family, One Future'. Our government is working towards encouraging sports activities in the country. We are focusing on inclusivity in Sports," he said. The Prime Minister said that from the Indus Valley civilisation to the Vedic era, the legacy of sports has been prosperous in every time period of India.
The Prime Minister credited the efforts of the government for India’s shining performance in the world of sports. He recalled the magnificent performances of many athletes in the last edition of the Olympics and also highlighted India’s best-ever performance in the recently concluded Asian Games and the new records made by young athletes of India in the World University Games. He underlined that the positive changes are a sign of the rapidly transforming landscape of sports in India.
India wants to host 2029 Youth Olympics
He further said that India has exhibited the capability to organise global sports tournaments in recent times. "India is leaving no stone unturned in its efforts to ensure that the Olympics are organised in India in 2036," said PM Modi.
"Before the 2036 Olympics, India also wants to host the 2029 Youth Olympics. I believe India will get constant support from the IOC," he added.
Underling that global events are an opportunity for India to welcome the world, the Prime Minister emphasized that India is primed to host global events owing to its fast-expanding economy and well-developed infrastructure. He gave the example of the G20 Summit where events were organized in more than 60 cities of the country and said that it is proof of India’s organizing capacity in every sector. The Prime Minister put forth the belief of 140 crore citizens of India
“India is eager to host the Olympics in the country. India will leave no stone unturned in the preparation for the successful organization of the Olympics in 2036, this is the dream of the 140 crore Indians”, the Prime Minister said. He emphasized that the nation wishes to fulfill this dream with the support of all stakeholders. “India is also eager to host the Youth Olympics taking place in the year 2029”, Shri Modi remarked and expressed confidence that the IOC will continue lending its support to India.
The Prime Minister said that “sports is not just for winning medals but is a medium to win hearts. Sports belongs to all for all. It not only prepares champions but also promotes peace, progress and wellness. Therefore, sports is another medium of uniting the world”. Once again welcoming the delegates, the Prime Minister declared the session open.
About IOC session
The IOC session serves as a key meeting of the members of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Important decisions regarding the future of Olympic games are made at the IOC Sessions. India is hosting the IOC session for the second time and after a gap of about 40 years. The IOC's 86th session was held in New Delhi in 1983.
The 141st IOC Session, being held in India, embodies the nation's dedication to fostering global cooperation, celebrating sporting excellence, and furthering the Olympic ideals of friendship, respect, and excellence. It provides an opportunity for interaction and knowledge sharing among the various sports related stakeholders.
The session will also be attended by President of the International Olympic Committee, Mr. Thomas Bach and other members of IOC, along with prominent Indian sports personalities and representatives from various sports federations, including the Indian Olympic Association.
