Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Saturday, made a resounding declaration of India’s unwavering commitment to host the 2036 Olympics, leaving “no stone unturned” in this endeavor. This announcement came as the Indian government expressed a strong desire to secure the hosting rights for one of the world’s most significant sporting events.
Modi’s proclamation was delivered at the inauguration of the 141st Session of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), a historic event marking India’s return to the global sports stage as a host for the session after a 40-year hiatus since its last stint in 1983 in New Delhi.
He also touched on the profound significance of sports in India’s rich history. He highlighted the integral role of sports in Indian festivals, emphasizing that sports unite people and empower humanity. In the world of sports, there are no losers—only winners and learners. Modi’s address underscored the universal spirit of sports.
India’s aspiration to host 2029 Youth Olympics
In addition to vying for the 2036 Olympics, India also expressed its aspiration to host the 2029 Youth Olympics. The Indian Prime Minister emphasized the enthusiasm among Indians for hosting the Olympics and the collective dream of 1.4 billion citizens. India aims to garner strong support from the IOC for these ambitions.
The Indian government’s commitment to support the Indian Olympic Association’s bid for hosting these events reflects the nation’s eagerness to make its mark on the global sports stage. However, hosting the Olympics is a costly endeavor. To put this into perspective, the estimated cost of hosting the 2021 Tokyo Olympics was a staggering USD 15 billion, double the initial projections when Tokyo was awarded the Games in 2013.
IOC’s selection process
In the event that India secures the bid, Ahmedabad is most likely to be the city that will host the Games. The IOC has shifted away from the traditional bidding process, opting instead for a more streamlined approach. Interested countries submit proposals, and the IOC’s Future Host Commission identifies and recommends a preferred candidate to the Executive Board. The Executive Board can then engage in discussions with the chosen candidate, subsequently deciding whether to present the proposal at an IOC session for a vote.
However, India may face stiff competition from other countries, including Korea, Mexico, Germany, and Italy. Notably, India last hosted a multi-sport event during the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi. Nevertheless, the nation has hosted several other prestigious tournaments, such as the Boxing World Championship and the Asian Wrestling Championship, in recent years.
IOC President Thomas Bach, in his address, acknowledged India’s remarkable economic and sporting growth. He welcomed the IOC Session’s location in India and commended the nation’s performance at the Asian Games, where India secured an impressive 107 medals. Bach’s speech also recognized the pivotal role of e-sports in the Olympic movement, stressing the importance of adapting to the ever-accelerating pace of technological advancement, especially in the realm of artificial intelligence and e-sports.
Furthermore, Bach emphasized that the 2024 Paris Olympics will represent the final Games held in the pre-artificial intelligence era, underscoring the growing impact of technology on the future of sports.
The inauguration of the IOC Session witnessed the presence of notable figures in the world of sports, including Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra, Abhinav Bindra, Gianni Infantino, Eric Garcetti, Leander Paes, Jhulan Goswami, Harmanpreet Kaur, Shah Rukh Khan, and other distinguished guests. Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis were also in attendance, adding to the significance of this momentous event.
(With Agency Inputs)