New Delhi: In a significant stride towards realizing its ambition of becoming a major player in global sports, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has officially submitted a Letter of Intent to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on October 1, indicating India’s desire to host the Olympics and Paralympics Games in 2036.
Sources close to the development noted that this move aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for the Games, which could bring substantial benefits in terms of economic growth, social progress, and youth empowerment throughout the nation. “This monumental opportunity could foster a new era of sports in India,” they stated.
Prime Minister Modi has consistently expressed India’s enthusiasm for hosting the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games. During an interaction with Indian athletes who participated in the Paris Olympics, he sought their insights on preparations for this grand event, emphasizing the importance of their experiences in shaping a successful hosting strategy. “India is preparing to host the 2036 Olympics, and your input is crucial. We aim to document your observations to ensure we cover every detail in our preparations,” he remarked.
In the 141st IOC Session held in Mumbai last year, Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to hosting the Olympic Games in 2036, asserting that “140 crore Indians are dedicated to staging the Games.” He assured that the government would leave no stone unturned to turn this dream into reality, appealing for collective cooperation and support.
IOC President Thomas Bach has also endorsed India’s bid, stating there is a “strong case” for India to host the Olympic Games. India is among ten countries that have shown interest in the 2036 Olympics, which also include Mexico, Indonesia, Turkey, Poland, Egypt, and South Korea.
The IOC initiated discussions with these interested nations, including India, in November 2022. The countries vying for the hosting rights include Mexico City and Guadalajara-Monterrey-Tijuana in Mexico, Nusantara in Indonesia, Istanbul in Turkey, Ahmedabad in India, Warsaw and Krakow in Poland, the New Administrative Capital in Egypt, and Seoul-Incheon in South Korea.
The final decision on hosting rights will be made by the IOC through a comprehensive host selection process, managed by the Future Host Commission, which is responsible for assessing the suitability of candidates for hosting the prestigious event.
With this formal declaration of intent, India takes a significant step forward in its journey toward hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games, aiming to create an unforgettable experience that showcases the country’s rich cultural heritage and growing sports infrastructure.