India makes formal bid to host 2036 Olympics
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) officially submitted a Letter of Intent to the Future Host Commission of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), formally expressing India’s interest in hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2036.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games in India
In a significant move towards realising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games in India in 2036, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has officially expressed the nation’s interest. The IOA submitted a Letter of Intent to the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) Future Host Commission on October 1, marking India’s formal bid for this prestigious global event.
“This monumental opportunity could bring substantial benefits, fostering economic growth, social progress, and youth empowerment across the country,” a source confirmed to India Today.
Los Angeles in the USA will host the 2028 Summer Olympics, and Brisbane, Australia, will host the 2032 Games. International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach has said interest in hosting 2036 has so far attracted cities in the double digits.
Prime Minister Modi has consistently expressed a desire for India to host the Olympics and Paralympics, underscoring the importance of this bid to the country’s sporting future. During the Independence Day celebrations at his New Delhi residence, he invited feedback from Indian athletes who participated in the Paris Olympics, stating that their experiences would be instrumental in the planning and preparation efforts for the 2036 Games.
India is preparing to host the 2036 Olympics
“India is preparing to host the 2036 Olympics. In this regard, the input from athletes who have played in previous Olympics is very important. You all must have observed and experienced many things. We want to document this and share it with the government so that we don’t miss out on any small details in the preparation for 2036,” PM Modi said at the gathering.
India’s commitment to hosting the 2036 Games was further emphasized at the IOC’s 141st session in Mumbai last year, where PM Modi declared, “We will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to organize the Olympics on Indian soil in the year 2036. This is the age-old dream and aspiration of 140 crore Indians.”
International Olympic Committee
IOC President Thomas Bach has also lent his support, remarking that there is a “strong case” for India to host the Olympics, further solidifying India’s candidature. With a diverse and growing interest in sports across the nation, hosting the Olympics is seen as a transformative opportunity that could elevate India’s sports infrastructure, boost tourism, and inspire the next generation of athletes.
India joins nine other nations in vying for the 2036 Olympics, including Mexico, Indonesia, Turkey, Poland, Egypt, and South Korea. The competition among these countries will go through a rigorous selection process, led by the IOC’s Future Host Commission.
If selected, the 2036 Olympics would be a landmark moment for India, realizing a dream held by millions and putting India firmly on the global sports stage
While Ahmedabad remains the centre of India’s bid to host the 2036 Olympics, the government is exploring the idea of hosting events across multiple cities to turn the Games into a nationwide movement. Key sports like hockey in Bhubaneswar, rowing in Bhopal, canoeing and kayaking in Pune, and cricket in Mumbai are among the proposed venues, according to a report by The Indian Express.
India has been in continuous discussions with the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) Future Hosts Commission since submitting a Letter of Intent last October. The government plans to present a proposal to the global body soon.
Infrastructure development for Games
With a focus on Ahmedabad, the city is pushing forward with sports infrastructure projects valued at over Rs 6,000 crore, which will proceed regardless of the success of the Olympic bid. These developments aim to serve the public for health, recreation, and elevate Ahmedabad as an international sports destination, the news report said.
A major ongoing project is the Naranpura Sports Complex, set to open in March. Built on 20.39 acres at an estimated cost of Rs 631.77 crore, the complex will include Olympic-standard facilities such as swimming pools, courts for basketball, volleyball, badminton, and gymnastics arenas. Over 1,000 workers are involved in completing the facility, which will be part of the broader infrastructure plan for the 2036 Olympics, The Indian Express reported.
The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (SVP) Sports Enclave, adjacent to the Narendra Modi Stadium, and the Karai Sports Hub are set to become the two primary Olympic hubs in Gujarat. The SVP will feature multiple permanent venues for sports like aquatics and tennis, with temporary arenas for other sports during the Games.
At Karai, a 35,000-seat stadium will be constructed for athletics, while the Karai Police Academy will host the shooting competition. The projects are expected to be completed by 2028.
India’s plans to host international events
India is also targeting a series of international events, including the 2028 World U20 Athletics Championships and the 2028 Asian Swimming Championship. These events will help test India’s capacity to host large-scale sports events and provide valuable experience ahead of the Olympic Games.
Olympics 2026: Challenges ahead
Despite the ambitious plans, challenges remain. The ongoing administrative issues within the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), including tensions between President PT Usha and the executive committee, have raised concerns. The IOC has previously pointed out the lack of progress in this area, and officials acknowledge that resolving these internal issues is critical for India’s reputation, the news report said.
India will also face stiff competition from countries like Qatar and Saudi Arabia, who have shown interest in hosting the 2036 Olympics. These countries have used their financial power to secure major global events, such as the FIFA World Cup.
The IOC has indicated that at least 10 countries are vying for the 2036 Olympics, with a decision likely to be made by 2026.
With Thanks and Reference to:https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/other-sports/story/india-makes-formal-bid-to-host-2036-olympics-2628363-2024-11-05 and https://www.business-standard.com/sports/olympics/2036-olympics-india-bid-ahmedabad-pune-125010900469_1.html
