New Delhi: In a significant step toward bolstering India’s bid to host the 2036 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, held a meeting today with Lord Sebastian Coe, President of World Athletics and member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), in New Delhi.
Lord Coe was joined by Jon Ridgeon, CEO of World Athletics, and Helen Delany, Director of International Relations & Development at World Athletics, in discussions aimed at advancing India’s athletics ecosystem and strengthening its Olympic ambitions.
India’s Aspirations for Olympics 2036
During the meeting, Dr. Mandaviya apprised Lord Coe of India’s formal submission of a Letter of Intent to the IOC, signaling its readiness to host the Olympics in 2036. Emphasizing the nation’s commitment to organizing a sustainable and inclusive event, he stated, “Our ambition to host the Olympics 2036 reflects widespread support across government, industry, and society. It is an opportunity to showcase India’s cultural heritage and sporting capabilities on the global stage.”
The Minister highlighted India’s intent to draw from the legacies of previous host cities, ensuring the Games prioritize sustainability, diversity, and inspiration for future generations.
Athletics Development in Focus
Dr. Mandaviya underscored the critical role of World Athletics in shaping the global sports landscape, emphasizing India’s eagerness to deepen collaboration with the organization. He outlined the country’s vision for grassroots-to-global development in athletics, aimed at enhancing athlete performance and increasing India’s representation on international podiums.
Policy Reforms for Sports Excellence
Dr. Mandaviya also briefed the delegation on India’s policy advancements, including:
- Draft National Sports Policy 2024: A framework aimed at leveraging sports for nation-building, economic growth, and fostering a robust talent pipeline from grassroots to elite levels.
- Draft National Sports Governance Bill: Recently introduced for public consultation, this bill seeks to instill transparency, good governance, and ethical practices in sports bodies, aligning with international standards and Olympic values.
Strengthening Ties with World Athletics
Lord Coe expressed enthusiasm for India’s efforts to enhance athletics, noting the nation’s growing potential in the sport. The meeting also explored opportunities for collaborative initiatives to elevate athletics development and international participation.
Present at the meeting were Adille Sumariwala, President of the Athletics Federation of India, Ravinder Chaudhary, Secretary General of AFI, and senior officials from the Department of Sports.
A Leap Towards Hosting the Games
India’s dialogue with World Athletics marks another milestone in its Olympic journey, reaffirming the government’s resolve to make the country a global sports powerhouse. With strategic planning, robust policies, and international collaboration, India aims to turn its Olympic aspirations into reality, showcasing its unique cultural and sporting legacy on the world stage.