India has officially submitted a bid to host the 2036 Olympics, with Ahmedabad in Gujarat as the potential host city. This marks a monumental opportunity for India to bring the world’s biggest sporting event to its soil, showcasing its culture, infrastructure, and athletic spirit on a global scale. Gujarat, known for its dynamic development projects, is planning a massive infrastructure push to accommodate this grand vision. Here’s a detailed look at what Gujarat has in store to transform Ahmedabad into an Olympic-ready city.
SVP Sports Enclave: The Heart of the 2036 Olympics
At the center of Gujarat’s Olympic plans lies the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (SVP) Sports Enclave. Spanning over 215 acres, this massive sports hub is being developed at an estimated cost of Rs 4,600 crore. Located near the Narendra Modi Stadium, the world’s largest cricket stadium, SVP Enclave is designed to be the focal point of the Olympic Games. This state-of-the-art sports complex will house numerous stadiums and arenas, each capable of hosting various Olympic events. The proposed Olympic inauguration ceremony is planned to be held at the Narendra Modi Stadium, setting the stage for a grand opening.
Around the Narendra Modi Stadium, Gujarat plans to build six sports complexes equipped to international standards. These facilities are envisioned to not only serve as Olympic venues but to leave a lasting legacy for Indian sports in general.
“Ring of Unity”: A Cultural and Sporting Center
A unique feature of Gujarat’s Olympic blueprint is the creation of the “Ring of Unity,” a multi-purpose arena designed to accommodate up to 5,000 spectators. The Ring of Unity is not just about sports; it will be a cultural hub for activities like Garba, yoga sessions, festivals, and even open markets. This arena is intended to bring a fusion of sports and Indian culture, reflecting the unity and diversity of the country.
Additionally, a multipurpose indoor arena with a capacity of 8,000 people, a tennis center for 10,000 spectators, and a football stadium for 50,000 fans are also in the plans. Each facility will be built to host high-stakes international events, setting a new benchmark for Indian sports infrastructure.
Naranpura Sports Complex: Paving the Way
The Naranpura Sports Complex is a significant step forward in Gujarat’s Olympic journey. Part of the Khelo India initiative, this complex is being constructed with Rs 631 crore in central funding. Over 80% of the work on this Olympic-level facility is already complete, and it features an aquatic stadium among its many amenities. With a capacity to accommodate 300 athletes, the Naranpura Sports Complex will serve as a crucial training and event location for the Olympics and beyond.
A Grand Vision for Infrastructure: Godhavi Sports City and More
The Gujarat government has earmarked a 500-acre plot in Godhavi village near Ahmedabad for a comprehensive sports city. This development aims to offer facilities for a range of Olympic sports such as gymnastics, swimming, wrestling, boxing, and football. Designed as a full-fledged sports city, it will also include coaching facilities and hostels for athletes. The construction is expected to be completed within the next four years, providing ample time for trial events and practice sessions.
Eco-Friendly Initiatives: Electric Cars in the Olympic Village
In a bid to make the 2036 Olympics a sustainable event, the Gujarat government plans to introduce electric cars in the Olympic Village, particularly in the Manipur-Godhavi area. These electric vehicles will be the primary mode of transport within the village, promoting green energy and minimizing pollution. Solar panels are expected to be installed around the Godhavi Canal to generate eco-friendly power, aligning with global standards for environmentally conscious Olympic Games.
World-Class Facilities Along the Sabarmati River and Shivrajpur Beach
Ahmedabad’s Sabarmati Riverfront and Shivrajpur Beach in Dwarka are set to become premier locations for Olympic water sports. While the Sabarmati Riverfront will serve as the venue for swimming and other water-based competitions, Shivrajpur Beach will cater to beach sports with its blue-flag certification and pristine conditions. The beach will feature amenities such as scuba diving, horse riding, and sand rickshaw rides, turning it into an attraction for both athletes and tourists.
Olympic Housing: 10,000 Flats to Accommodate Athletes and Officials
To accommodate the influx of athletes, officials, and visitors for the Olympics, Gujarat plans to construct 10,000 to 15,000 fully furnished flats in a high-tech Olympic Village. These flats will range from 2-bedroom to 4-bedroom apartments, providing comfortable lodging for international guests. Following the Olympics, these flats will be sold, generating revenue and offering high-quality housing options in the area. This approach is inspired by the concept of creating an enduring legacy for host cities, as seen in previous Olympics.
The Olympic Circuit: Linking Ahmedabad to the Statue of Unity
Gujarat’s Olympic planning includes an ambitious Olympic circuit that will stretch from Ahmedabad to the iconic Statue of Unity. This circuit will feature multiple world-class stadiums and arenas to host various sports such as football, hockey, and basketball. The Statue of Unity campus is also set to host events like archery, shooting, and other Olympic disciplines. By linking Ahmedabad and the Statue of Unity, the government hopes to attract tourists and Olympic enthusiasts to explore Gujarat’s heritage along with the games.
Comprehensive Preparations: Road, Transport, and Facility Upgrades
Preparing for the Olympics requires a massive upgrade in transportation and hospitality. Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (AUDA) commissioned a detailed report from an international agency to analyze infrastructure needs. The report identified 22 sites across Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar for Olympic events, six of which will feature temporary facilities. Key upgrades will include enhanced roads, improved public transportation, sanitation facilities, and an expanded hotel sector.
Approximately 40,000 hotel rooms will be needed to accommodate visitors from India and abroad. This investment in hospitality will boost Gujarat’s tourism infrastructure, benefitting local businesses and creating long-term job opportunities.
Employment Boost and Economic Impact
Hosting the Olympics is expected to create substantial employment opportunities across Gujarat. Developing stadiums, roads, hotels, and the Olympic Village will require significant manpower, benefiting the state’s workforce. Additionally, when lakhs of tourists arrive in Gujarat, local businesses will benefit, contributing to the state’s economic growth. This development surge is projected to create direct and indirect jobs, making the Olympics a driver of economic growth for the region.
Financial Considerations: A Massive Investment
Preparing for the Olympics will require massive financial commitment. Countries hosting the Olympics have spent enormous amounts; for instance, China invested Rs 4.43 lakh crore for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and Japan spent Rs 2.94 lakh crore on the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Gujarat’s annual budget for 2024-25 is Rs 2.99 lakh crore, meaning that Olympic-related projects could surpass the state’s annual financial resources. Collaboration with the central government and international sponsors will be critical to balancing the budget and ensuring the state’s financial stability.
Why Ahmedabad Is Ideal for the Olympics
Ahmedabad has national and international connectivity, experience in organizing major sports events like the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, and boasts the world’s largest cricket stadium. With a vibrant history of hosting large-scale events, Ahmedabad is well-prepared to take on the Olympics. Its modern infrastructure, combined with new projects like the SVP Sports Enclave and sports complexes, positions it as a top contender for hosting the games.
Ready to Welcome the World
India’s dream of hosting the 2036 Olympics in Gujarat represents a vision of national pride, economic development, and cultural celebration. If successful, Gujarat’s plans will put the state on the world map, offering a unique blend of traditional Indian culture and cutting-edge infrastructure. With months of planning and years of execution ahead, Gujarat’s Olympic bid brings the promise of a new era for Indian sports and infrastructure.
