Overview
- The 72nd Senior National Volleyball Championship, inaugurated by video link, runs January 4–11 in Varanasi with over 1,000 players across 58 teams.
- Modi said India is preparing in full strength to host the 2036 Olympics, with the 2030 Commonwealth Games slated for India.
- He highlighted increased sports funding and initiatives such as Khelo India, TOPS, the National Sports Governance Act and the Khelo Bharat Policy 2025 to improve transparency and training.
- Media reports say Ahmedabad is preparing a potential 2036 Olympic bid with a ₹34,700–₹64,000 crore budget and a twin-city plan with Gandhinagar, with outreach to the IOC.
- Officials framed the Varanasi event as evidence of upgraded local facilities and a growing host profile, with teams from 28 states reflecting the 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat' theme.