India takes first step to hosting Olympics and Paralympics, sends Letter of Intent for 2036 edition 

If India does manage to win, it will become only the fourth Asian country ever to host the quadrennial event — after China, South Korea and Japan.

India took the first step in its attempt to host the 2036 Olympics by sending a formal Letter of Intent for the same to the IOC.

While there has been no official confirmation yet, sources said the letter was sent to the IOC Future Hosts Commission (FHC) on October 1 with Ahmedabad as the likely host city. This is in continuation of the push from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for hosting major multi-discipline events, including the 2030 Youth Olympics, publicly declaring India’s intention to host the 2036 Olympics during the opening ceremony of the 141st IOC session in Mumbai last year.

If India does manage to win, it will become only the fourth Asian country ever to host the quadrennial event — after China, South Korea and Japan. Yoga, kho-kho, kabaddi and chess are among the sports likely to be included in India’s bid. The letter, though, is just the first step in a long and arduous process to select a final host with no fixed deadlines. 

ALSO READ: The Hindu’s Editorial on India’s efforts to organise the 2036 edition

While any decision is only likely after the IOC elections next year, the process can take even longer. The FHC holds initial detailed discussions with all interested parties without being edition specific before entering the more serious, rigorous phase of getting guarantees on infrastructure, accommodation, security and public services among others. It then prepares an advisory report for the IOC Executive Board to take a final call.

It won’t be a cakewalk for India, however, with at least three other confirmed bids — Chile (Santiago), Indonesia (across Jakarta, Bali and the new capital of under-construction Nusantara), and Turkey (Istanbul) — and more in various stages of internal preparations and discussions with the IOC including the likes of cash-rich Riyadh and Qatar.

India’s efforts will also be hampered by the long-running infighting among the Indian Olympic Association members that has brought all IOA work to almost standstill for several months now. Despite the government’s interest and push, the IOA remains the official channel of communication with the IOC and its involvement will be crucial for India to put up a united front.

Published - November 05, 2024 02:02 pm IST