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India has set its sights on hosting the 2030 Youth Olympics and the 2036 Summer Olympics, according to Union Minister Anurag Thakur. Speaking at the NDTV Yuva Conclave, Thakur expressed confidence that India will improve its medal tally at the upcoming Paris Olympics in 2024.Thakur's announcement aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's earlier statement at the IOC session in Mumbai last year, where he expressed India's desire to host the Olympics in 2036. The 2024 Olympics will be held in Paris, followed by Los Angeles in 2028 and Brisbane in 2032.Meanwhile, veteran table tennis player Sharath Kamal has been named India's flag bearer for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Kamal, who is a reigning Commonwealth Games champion, expressed his delight at the honor. "It is the biggest honor and fairytale stuff considering it is going to be my fifth and last Olympics," he said.Legendary boxer MC Mary Kom has been appointed as the chef de mission of India's contingent for the Paris Olympics. Kom and former hockey skipper Manpreet Singh were India's flag bearers at the 2020 Tokyo Games.India's Olympic aspirations have received a boost with the appointment of Kamal and Kom. Kamal's experience and leadership will be invaluable for the Indian team, while Kom's legendary status will inspire the athletes.The Indian contingent is expected to perform well at the Paris Olympics, with several athletes having already qualified for the Games. The country's medal hopes rest on the shoulders of athletes such as Kamal, Kom, wrestler Bajrang Punia, and shooter Manu Bhaker.India's bid to host the 2030 Youth Olympics and the 2036 Summer Olympics is a testament to the country's growing sporting prowess. If successful, India will become the first South Asian nation to host the Olympics.

Anush Agarwalla, a 25-year-old equestrian from Kolkata, has achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the first Indian to secure an Olympic berth in dressage for the country. This historic achievement marks a significant milestone in Indian equestrian sports and opens up new possibilities for the nation's participation in the upcoming Paris Olympics.Agarwalla's journey to the Olympics has been a testament to his unwavering dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence. From his early days as an eight-year-old enrolled at Kolkata's Tollygunge Club to his subsequent training in New Delhi and eventual move to Germany in 2017, Agarwalla has consistently demonstrated his commitment to the sport.Under the tutelage of 2004 Olympic champion Hubertus Schmidt, Agarwalla honed his skills and nurtured his Olympic dream. Despite facing doubts and challenges along the way, he persevered and remained steadfast in his pursuit of greatness.Agarwalla's qualification for the Olympics is a culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, and unwavering determination. He earned the Olympic quota based on his impressive performances in four FEI events, showcasing his exceptional riding abilities and the remarkable bond he shares with his mount, Sir Caramello Old.The road to Paris is not without its challenges, and Agarwalla recognizes the importance of strategic planning and meticulous preparation. He has meticulously crafted a training schedule that includes prestigious CDI events in Germany, providing ample opportunities to refine his tactics and strategies.Agarwalla's achievement has not only brought immense pride to India but has also inspired a new generation of aspiring equestrians. His story serves as a testament to the transformative power of perseverance, dedication, and the unwavering pursuit of dreams.