The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has formally expressed its intention to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games by submitting a ‘Letter of Intent’ to the International Olympic Committee’s Future Host Commission, marking a significant initial step in its ambitious proposal.
The submission occurred on October 1, as reported by a source within the sports ministry.
“This significant opportunity has the potential to yield considerable advantages, promoting economic development, social advancement, and youth empowerment throughout the nation,” the source remarked.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi initially articulated his government’s ambition to host the 2036 Olympics last year.
A decision regarding the host city will not be made until after the IOC elections next year, and India will face competition from several other nations, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey, which are also positioning themselves as formidable candidates for this prestigious event.
India’s bid has received support from the current IOC president, Thomas Bach. The last occasion India hosted a major international multi-sport event was during the 2010 Commonwealth Games.
For the 2036 Olympics, Ahmedabad is being considered a leading candidate for the host city.
India’s prominent sports officials, including IOA President PT Usha, attended the Paris Olympics earlier this year to advocate for the country’s bid. It is also reported that India aims to promote the inclusion of traditional sports such as yoga, kho kho, and kabaddi if the bid is successful.
The Sports Authority of India’s Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) has submitted a comprehensive report outlining the necessary steps for a successful bid to the new sports minister, Mansukh Mandaviya.
In this report, MOC has identified six sports, including yoga, kho kho, kabaddi, chess, T20 cricket, and squash, for potential inclusion in the Games should India secure the opportunity to host this quadrennial event.
However, the IOA is currently facing challenges due to internal disputes between Usha and the Executive Council, which has consistently declined to approve her preferred candidate for the CEO position.
