New Delhi: India took a significant step toward potentially hosting the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games. On October 1st, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) officially submitted a Letter of Intent to the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) Future Host Commission, sources told news agency IANS.
This action follows repeated expressions of interest from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who sees the Games as a potential boon for the nation.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games in India in 2036 has taken a significant step forward,” a source stated.
They added, “This monumental opportunity could bring substantial benefits, fostering economic growth, social progress, and youth empowerment across the country.”
India’s top sports administrators, including IOA President PT Usha, were at the Paris Olympics earlier in the year to lobby for the country’s selection. There have been reports that India would push for the inclusion of indigenous disciplines like yoga, kho kho and kabaddi if the bid is successful.
The Sports Authority of India’s Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) has even presented a report on the measures needed for a successful bid to new sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya.
In this document, six disciplines have been identified for India to win medals. The sports that have been earmarked are yoga, kho kho, kabaddi, chess, T20 cricket and squash.
PM Modi has previously emphasised the importance of the Games for India. In an interaction with athletes on Independence Day, he had asked for their inputs in preparations of hosting the quadrennial extravaganza.
“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 had said.
During last year’s 141st IOC Session in Mumbai, he stated, “We will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to organise the Olympics on Indian soil in the year 2036. This is the age-old dream and aspiration of 140 crore Indians. This dream has to be built with your cooperation and support.”
IOC President Thomas Bach had also supported India’s case claiming that there was a “strong case” for India to host the Olympic Games.
In the process, India join nine other countries who have expressed interest in hosting the 2036 Games. The 10 countries that have shown initial interest in hosting the 2036 Games include Mexico (Mexico City, Guadalajara-Monterrey-Tijuana), Indonesia (Nusantara), Turkey (Istanbul), India (Ahmedabad), Poland (Warsaw, Krakow), Egypt (New Administrative Capital), and South Korea (Seoul-Incheon).
The IOC’s Future Host Commission will oversee the selection process, which involves a detailed evaluation of each potential host nation. The final decision on the host city is expected in several years.