Overview Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on January 4, 2025 , that India is actively preparing to host the 2036 Olympic Games . Addressing the inaugural function of the 72nd Senior National Volleyball Championship in Varanasi via video conference, he emphasized the government's commitment to providing greater opportunities for athletes by hosting mega sporting events in the country. He also confirmed that the 2030 Commonwealth Games will be held in India. Key Developments Hosting Mega Events: India is making strong efforts to host the 2036 Olympics and will host the 2030 Commonwealth Games . Khelo India Campaign: This initiative has provided opportunities for hundreds of youth to advance to the national level in various sports. Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS): This scheme is transforming the sports ecosystem by focusing on infrastructure, funding, and global exposure for young athletes. International Events: India has hosted more than 20 major international events in the last 10 years , including the FIFA Under-17 World Cup and the Hockey World Cup . Sports Budget Increase: The government has significantly increased the sports budget, making India's sports model athlete-centric. Reforms in Sports Governance: The National Sports Governance Act and the Khelo Bharat Policy 2025 aim to provide opportunities to the right talent and increase transparency in sports organizations. National Volleyball Championship: The 72nd Senior National Volleyball Championship is being held in Varanasi from January 4 to 11 , with over 1,000 players representing 58 teams . Government Initiatives and Policies The government has undertaken several reforms to promote sports in India: Khelo India: Aims to revive sports culture at the grass-root level by building a strong framework for all sports played in India. Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS): Provides assistance to India's top athletes, focusing on world-class training and support. National Sports Governance Act: Aims to improve governance and transparency in sports organizations. Khelo Bharat Policy 2025: Focuses on creating a robust sports ecosystem and ensuring that the right talent gets the right opportunities. UPSC Relevance This news article is relevant to the UPSC syllabus in the following ways: GS2: Government Policies: The article discusses various government policies and initiatives related to sports, such as the Khelo India program and the National Sports Governance Act. GS3: Sports: The article covers topics related to sports development, infrastructure, and talent identification, which are important aspects of the GS3 syllabus. GS1: Culture: Sports can be considered a cultural activity, and the article highlights India's efforts to promote sports and host international events. Exam Perspective Prelims: Focus on the years of planned mega events (2030 Commonwealth Games, 2036 Olympics), key features of Khelo India and TOPS, and the location of the Volleyball Championship. Mains: Analyze the impact of hosting mega sporting events, evaluate the effectiveness of government initiatives in promoting sports, and discuss the reforms needed in sports governance. Essay: Consider themes such as the role of sports in nation-building, the impact of government policies on sports culture, and India's potential as a global sporting powerhouse.