India is on a mission to bring the world’s biggest sporting event, the Olympic Games, to its soil in 2036. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has taken a major step forward by submitting a letter of intent to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), signaling the nation’s interest in hosting the 2036 Olympics. With Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s support, India hopes to establish itself as a global sports hub. Here’s a closer look at how the process works, why India is in the running, and the unique factors that could either bolster or hinder India’s Olympic dreams.
How Does a Country Get Chosen to Host the Olympics?
Hosting the Olympics is no longer a traditional bidding war between nations. In 2019, the IOC replaced the competitive bidding process with a more collaborative approach to reduce costs and make the process fairer. The process is now less about flashy presentations and more about sustainable planning and infrastructure readiness.
- Expression of Interest: Countries that want to host the Olympics start by showing their interest through formal communication, often in the form of a “letter of intent.” This is the first official step, which India has already taken for the 2036 Olympics.
- Direct Dialogue with the IOC: Once a country shows interest, the IOC engages in one-on-one discussions with each interested country, focusing on feasibility and infrastructure. Countries that do not meet IOC’s requirements are typically ruled out at this stage. These discussions aim to align the hosting nation’s goals with the IOC’s objectives for a sustainable and well-organized event.
- Assessment by the Future Host Commission: The IOC created the Future Host Commission to handle the evaluation and recommendation process. This commission is made up of neutral experts who evaluate the potential host cities based on factors like infrastructure, sustainability, economic feasibility, and overall readiness.
- Recommendation and Decision: After assessing the cities, the Commission provides a recommendation to the IOC Executive Board. The Executive Board then decides if the city or country should move forward in the negotiation process.
- Formal Selection: Once both the IOC and the prospective host country reach an agreement, the final selection is made, usually years before the Games are set to take place. In the case of the 2036 Olympics, the decision will be finalized by 2025.
India’s Vision for the 2036 Olympics
With the submission of its intent, India has joined other contenders like Mexico, Indonesia, Turkey, and South Korea in vying to host the 2036 Games. If selected, India plans to host the Games in Ahmedabad, with the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave at the heart of its Olympic Village. India hopes to use this opportunity to upgrade its sports infrastructure, create jobs, and boost tourism, bringing long-term benefits to the region and the country.
Hosting the Olympics would also be a landmark achievement, enhancing India’s global image as a sports superpower and inspiring the next generation of Indian athletes. India has already hosted major international sporting events like the Commonwealth Games in 2010 and the Asian Games in 1951 and 1982, showcasing its organizational capabilities.
What Works in India’s Favor?
- Existing Infrastructure: The IOC now places great importance on existing facilities. India has major sports venues, including those from the Commonwealth Games in Delhi and other world championship events. This could reduce the cost of new construction, aligning with the IOC’s sustainability goals.
- Government Support: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has openly supported the idea of India hosting the Olympics, demonstrating high-level political backing. This support is crucial, as hosting the Olympics requires strong government commitment and investment.
- Growing Sports Culture: India has seen a significant rise in sports popularity beyond cricket. From Olympic medal wins to high-performing athletes in badminton, wrestling, and hockey, India’s sports culture has grown rapidly. This enthusiasm could help drive local support for the event.
- Economic and Tourism Impact: Hosting the Olympics could be a major boost for India’s tourism and service industries. From travel and hospitality to infrastructure development, the economic ripple effects could be immense, with benefits potentially lasting long after the Games are over.
Challenges India Might Face in Hosting the Olympics
- Infrastructure Development: While India has significant sports infrastructure, major upgrades and new facilities would be required. The IOC looks favorably on cities with ready infrastructure, as seen in the 2024 Paris Olympics, where 95% of the venues were already built. India would need to ensure high standards to meet IOC’s expectations.
- Funding and Costs: Hosting the Olympics is a multi-billion-dollar venture, and the costs of construction, security, and organization are high. While India has funding sources, the IOC’s sustainable model encourages minimizing new constructions to keep costs in check. India would need to balance between building new facilities and using existing ones.
- Traffic and Environmental Concerns: Cities hosting the Olympics typically see a surge in visitors, which can put stress on local transportation and the environment. India would need to improve its urban transportation networks and manage environmental impacts to align with the IOC’s sustainability goals.
- International Competition: India faces competition from other nations with advanced infrastructure and a strong track record of hosting international events. Countries like South Korea and Mexico have experience hosting large-scale events and have sports infrastructure that is already highly developed.
A Look at Other Contenders for the 2036 Olympics
India is just one of ten countries that have expressed interest in hosting the 2036 Olympics. Here’s a quick look at some of the other nations in the race:
- Mexico: Several cities, including Mexico City, have expressed interest in hosting.
- Indonesia: Nusantara, Indonesia’s new capital city, is under consideration.
- Turkey: Istanbul has been a strong contender in past bids.
- South Korea: The city of Seoul, with its developed sports infrastructure, is also in the race.
- Poland: Warsaw and Kraków aim to co-host the Games.
Each country brings its strengths and challenges, and the IOC will assess each based on infrastructure, economic stability, and ability to host a sustainable event. The IOC’s new process emphasizes collaboration over competition, giving countries a chance to showcase why they’re ready to host.
The Road Ahead for India
India’s Olympic dream is ambitious, and while it faces challenges, there are several factors working in its favor. Hosting the Olympics would mark a new chapter in India’s sports history, solidifying its place on the global sports stage. Whether or not India wins the bid, this move signals the country’s dedication to developing its sports culture and inspiring future generations.
For now, all eyes will be on 2025, when the IOC makes its final decision on the 2036 host.
