Olympic Icon Carl Lewis Supports India's 2036 Bid, Advises Neeraj Chopra

In October 2025, nine-time Olympic gold medalist Carl Lewis visited Delhi as the international ambassador for the Delhi Half Marathon. During this exclusive conversation with India Today, Lewis shared his strong support for India's 2036 Olympic bid and provided expert advice to two-time Olympic medalist Neeraj Chopra.

When asked about the key to staying at the top, Lewis stated, "What happens when you become number one in the world, you're no longer competing against the world, you're competing against yourself." The athletic icon also discussed the infrastructure and national unity required for a successful Olympic Games, his experience walking the ramp for a cause, and the importance of sustainability and youth sports programs for the country's future.

Lewis emphasized that hosting the Olympics requires significant investment in infrastructure and a united national effort. He praised India's progress in these areas and expressed confidence in the country's ability to deliver a successful Games in 2036.