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.

In Short

• Indian Olympic Association submits Letter of Intent for 2036 Olympics
• PM Modi has consistently expressed a desire for India to host the Olympics
• 10 countries have shown initial interest in hosting the 2036 Games

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. 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."

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.