
Hosting 2036 Olympics will be win-win for India
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, bolster the economy and tackle pressing social issues affecting the country's youth, says Minister of State for Sports Raksha Khadse.
In an exclusive interview to PTI, the 38-year-old three-time Lok Sabha MP from Maharashtra's Raver constituency, dismissed criticism from some quarters that the country needs to focus more on becoming a sporting powerhouse before aiming for something as expensive as hosting the Olympics.
'Preparing to host events like the 2036 Olympics or the 2030 Commonwealth Games is about creating world-class infrastructure, economic investment, and legacy systems that directly benefit athlete development,' she asserted in the interaction at her office here.
'Sports is also a way to deal with so many issues such as depression and even drug addiction. And keeping all this in mind, when you bring an event like the Olympics to the country, it becomes a galvanising force even socially. It creates a fitness movement of its own and enhances the output of a nation. It's a win-win for all,' explained the deputy to union minister Mansukh Mandaviya.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


India.com
41 minutes ago
- India.com
Sai Sudharsan's Eye-Tracking Visualisation Goes Viral During Test Debut
In a match where India's top order was under the scanner during the first Test against England at Headingley, it was not a boundary or a breakthrough innings that had fans talking—it was a quiet, behind-the-scenes moment involving Sai Sudharsan and a cricket ball. The video, shared by Sony Sports Network, shows the 23-year-old India batter in full gear, helmet on, intensely focused on a single red ball held at eye level. He tracks the ball with his eyes, moves it side to side deliberately, and then lets it drop. All this while making detailed notes in a notebook, as if scripting the innings he wants to play. It's an image that's now gone viral—and for good reason. — Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 22, 2025 One of the most impactful reactions came from Commonwealth Games medallist Tejaswin Shankar, who tweeted: 'If you can't see it, you can't achieve it! Beautiful behind-the-scenes visuals and takeaway for all aspiring athletes!' The scene resonated across social media, earning admiration not just from cricket fans but also from sports psychologists, coaches, and athletes. At a time when elite sport increasingly values mental conditioning, Sudharsan's visualisation technique offered a real-time glimpse into how top-level preparation has evolved beyond nets and drills. A Method in the Madness: The Science Behind the Stare Sai Sudharsan is no stranger to using mental tools to sharpen his game. Speaking during the 2025 IPL season, where he claimed the Orange Cap with 759 runs, he said: 'I feel visualisation is the most important part of my preparation. I try to see what the bowler might do and plan how to counter it—even before stepping on the field.' Eye-tracking visualisation is a method increasingly seen in elite sport. By rehearsing scenarios mentally and mimicking ball-tracking behavior, players can build sharper reflexes and reduce cognitive load under pressure. For a Test debutant, this kind of preparation can be the difference between panic and poise. Headingley Debut: Mixed Results, But Mindset Wins Sudharsan's highly anticipated debut for India—on the same date legends like Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly debuted—ended with a harsh reality check. He was dismissed for a four-ball duck in the first innings by Ben Stokes after a nervy start. His second innings saw some fightback, with a 48-ball 30 that hinted at his potential. Yet, in an ironic twist, it wasn't his strokeplay or dismissal that became the headline—it was his eyes. And the discipline behind them. Why This Viral Clip Matters for Indian Cricket's Future At a time when the Indian team is undergoing a generational shift, with an eye on mental toughness and data-driven decision-making, Sudharsan's approach represents a new breed of cricketer. One who doesn't just rely on talent, but prepares for moments before they arrive. His visualisation video is now being dissected in coaching circles and hailed as an example of elite-level preparation. For young cricketers looking for a blueprint, this wasn't just a clip—it was a masterclass.


The Print
41 minutes ago
- The Print
India debunks social media claims that US used its airspace to launch strikes against Iran
New Delhi, Jun 23 (PTI) India has dismissed as 'fake' claims by certain social media handles that the US fighter jets used Indian airspace to launch strikes against Iran. The US bombed three nuclear sites in Iran early Sunday, with President Donald Trump warning of additional strikes if Iran retaliates.


The Print
41 minutes ago
- The Print
Roads connecting Nashik to be upgraded ahead of Simhastha Kumbh Mela: Fadnavis
Considering the large number of devotees and the need for traffic management during the mega congregation in Nashik, Gadkari has given in-principle approval for the development and construction of necessary road infrastructure through his ministry, it said. A high-level meeting concerning the highways connecting Nashik was held in the presence of Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, a release from the Chief Minister's Office said on Sunday. Nagpur, Jun 23 (PTI) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has said all roads leading to Nashik will be upgraded ahead of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela, which will begin on October 31 next year. The Simhastha Kumbh Mela will begin on October 31, 2026, with 'Dhwajarohan' (flag hoisting) at Trimbakeshwar and Ramkund in Nashik. The flag will be taken down on July 24, 2028, marking the conclusion of the event, which is held once every 12 years. Citing the growing faith of devotees and expected rise in footfall during the Kumbh Mela, Fadnavis had requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi for central support to boost road infrastructure, the release said. Accordingly, a high-level meeting was held at the CM's Office in Nagpur in the presence of Gadkari and state senior officials, and these decisions were taken, it said. Nashik is connected by eight major routes, including from Mumbai, Palghar, Pune, Ahilyanagar, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Dhule and neighbouring Gujarat state. While these roads will play a crucial role during the Kumbh Mela, internal roads in and around Nashik that connect to national highways were also discussed in the meeting. Gadkari has given in-principle approval to nearly all proposed roads, and it was decided that the required funds to complete the work would be provided soon, the CMO said. Fadnavis said the expected surge in traffic during Kumbh will be managed effectively through an expanded road network, ensuring safer travel for devotees. Approval was granted for the Nashik Ring Road, and a decision was made to widen the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar road into a six-lane highway, the release said. To ensure smooth traffic within Nashik, it has been decided to enhance the infrastructure at Dwarka Circle. Like the Kalamboli junction in Navi Mumbai, Nashik's Dwarka Circle will be developed in two phases, one before Kumbh and the other after the event, the release added. PTI MR NR GK This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.