Olympics should definitely happen in India, will promote merit in sports: President Murmu

President Droupadi Murmu feels that India's ambitious bid to host the 2036 Olympics is a step in the right direction as it would not just inspire people but also promote meritocracy in the country's sporting landscape. The president, who met senior PTI editors at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Wednesday for an exclusive interaction, also expressed her admiration for India's indigenous sports like kabaddi. "I do like watching sports although I did not get too many opportunities to play. But when I could, I preferred Indian sports," Murmu said.

"The Olympics should definitely happen in India. It would inspire people and promote merit in sports," the president, who also wrote an exclusive signed article for PTI on crimes against women, said.

A decision on the host country is not expected to be taken before 2026 and could even come in 2027 as the International Olympic Committee will initiate the process only after holding its elections next year.