Minister of State for Sports Raksha Khadse said that India’s bid to host the 2036 Olympics is not merely an attempt to make a statement internationally but also a well thought out plan to create world-class infrastructure. She added that the event like this will bolster the economy and tackle pressing social issues affecting the country’s youth. In an interview to a news agency,  she said it creates a fitness movement of its own and enhances the output of a nation.

The Minister dismissed criticism that the country needs to focus more on becoming a sporting powerhouse before aiming for something as expensive as hosting the Olympics. The Minister asserted that preparing to host events like the 2036 Olympics or the 2030 Commonwealth Games is about creating world-class infrastructure and legacy systems that directly benefit athlete development. The Minister added that hosting an Olympics also gives the youth an opportunity to take the lead as nation-builders.