India has officially entered the race to host the 2036 Olympic Games. The Indian Olympic
Association (IOA) submitted an “expression of interest” to the International Olympic Committee
(IOC) in October 2024. This marks a significant step in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of
hosting the Olympics and Paralympics in India, a long-held dream for the country.
The submission was made to the IOC’s Future Hosts Commission (FHC), which is responsible
for reviewing countries interested in hosting the Games. While India has not yet named a city to
host the Olympics, cities like Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar are being considered as possible
candidates.
India’s bid to host the 2036 Games is part of a broader ambition to increase its presence on the
global sports stage. Prime Minister Modi first mentioned the goal of hosting the Olympics at an
IOC session in Mumbai in 2023. He also expressed a desire to host the 2029 Youth Olympics as
a stepping stone to the 2036 event.
The process of selecting the host for the 2036 Olympics is expected to take several years.
India’s bid will face competition from other countries that have also expressed interest in
hosting, including Indonesia, Turkey, Chile, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, among others.
Though the bid is still in the early stages, the IOA is working closely with the IOC to understand
the requirements and prepare a strong proposal. In 2024, IOA officials participated in programs
at the Paris Olympics to learn more about the logistics of organizing the Games. They are also
in the process of forming a Bid Committee that will include representatives from the IOA, the
Indian government, and other stakeholders.
The IOC has outlined a new model for hosting the Olympics, which emphasizes sustainability.
This means that countries are encouraged to use existing infrastructure and avoid building new
stadiums, as Paris did for the 2024 Games. India will likely focus on upgrading current facilities
rather than constructing new ones.
Although the final decision on the 2036 Olympic host will not be made until 2026, India is
optimistic about its chances. The country hopes that hosting the Games will boost its economy,
create jobs, and inspire the youth. With continued preparation, India aims to prove itself as a
capable and enthusiastic host for the 2036 Summer Olympics
