India should focus on making successful bid for 2036 Olympic, says former Sports Minister Thakur at Chess World Cup

Former Sports Minister Anurag Singh Thakur believes it is important that India should bid and host the Olympics. “We are a country of 1.4 billion people and the world’s fourth largest economy, and we have more than 10 years for 2036 when we are looking at hosting the Olympics,” Thakur said here Tuesday.

“Next year we will be in the process of bidding and we expect India to become the third largest economy.”

The former BCCI president was talking to reporters shortly before making the ceremonial opening move of the second game of the quarterfinals at Chess World Cup at Resort Rio on Tuesday.

“Looking at the young population, and the facilities, I think India stands a good chance and that the IOC will take our bid very seriously,” he said. “As for the question of if one city is hosting it, or more than one, I think now we should focus on making a successful bid.”

The MP from Hamirpur said he was happy to see FIDE honour Viswanathan Anand by naming the World Cup trophy after his name. “He is an inspiration for millions in India and abroad,” Thakur said. “This will inspire our players especially. And I am delighted that Goa is hosting the World Cup. The State has become a hub for big events, like the International Film Festival of India and the National Games.”

Published on Nov 18, 2025