India, Aug. 15 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi not only reiterated India's interest in hosting the 2036 Olympics during his Independence Day speech from the Red Fort in New Delhi on Saturday, but also announced a nationwide sports talent hunt.

PM Modi stressed the need to widen India's Olympic footprint by identifying and developing talent in sports and events where the country has traditionally had little or no presence.

"There are around 40 sports at the Olympics, with around 325 to 350 events. You will be saddened to know, my fellow countrymen, my young people, I challenge you, I appeal to you, I seek your help: India does not participate in even two-thirds of these sports. We are not present; we do not qualify," he said.

"We have d...