New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday that India is a strong candidate to host the 2036 Olympic Games and announced that a nationwide talent search will target children aged 5 to 15 to build a competitive squad for the global showpiece.

Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the historic Red Fort on India's 80th Independence Day, Modi highlighted the success of the government's Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), established in 2014 to provide elite athletes with targeted support.

"India is making space for itself in the world of sports. We hear our national anthem frequently and see our tri-colour going up very often. TOPS has achieved great success. Whether it is Khelo India Games, University Games, Beach Games, Winter Games, or sports training, sports medicine, sports nutrition, India is moving ahead at great pace," he said.

"India's performance is improving, and we are strong contenders to become an Olympic host in 2036. We are hosting the CWG in 2030. There are about 40 disciplines in Olympics, with nearly 350 events. It is sad that we are not able even compete in at least two-thirds of these events because we are not even able to qualify.

"We have decided that in 2036, we should have participation in at least three-fourths of the events. We are launching a nationwide talent hunt for children aged 5 to 15 to identify prospects in every corner of the country. They will get special training to become world-class athletes," he added.

India is set to stage the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad, the city that is also being positioned to host the 2036 Summer Olympics.

PTI