Ahmedabad has been officially named as the host city in India's bid for the 2036 Olympic Games. This announcement marks a significant step in India's long-term aspirations to host the prestigious global sporting event. A high-level Indian delegation, including representatives from the Union Sports Ministry, the Gujarat government, and Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha, met with International Olympic Committee (IOC) officials in Lausanne to formally present Ahmedabad's candidacy.
The decision to officially nominate Ahmedabad comes even as the IOC has declared a pause in the selection process for future Olympic host cities. Kirsty Coventry, the new IOC chief, recently announced that the selection process was being halted to allow members to have more input. Despite this pause, India has decided to move forward with its bid, demonstrating its strong commitment to hosting the 2036 Olympics.
India's interest in hosting the Olympics has been known for some time, with initial consideration given to the 2032 Summer Olympics. However, the focus shifted to the 2036 Games, with Ahmedabad emerging as the frontrunner. In 2021, the Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (AUDA) enlisted PwC as a consultant to identify potential Olympic venues in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar.
Significant infrastructure development is already underway in Ahmedabad, including the construction of the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave, a large sports complex designed to meet Olympic standards. The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad has been suggested as a possible venue for the opening ceremony. A multi-city model is also under consideration, potentially involving cities such as Bhubaneswar, Pune, Goa, and Mumbai.
The Indian delegation emphasized that hosting the Olympics in Ahmedabad would provide a unique opportunity for over 600 million young Indians to experience the Games in their own country. The bid also incorporates the Indian principle of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam," which means "the world is one family," aiming to promote global unity and welcome participants from all nations.
While the IOC's pause in the host selection process introduces some uncertainty, India's proactive approach indicates its determination to be a strong contender for the 2036 Olympics. Union and state officials believe that India's early push could help shape the next stage of the Olympic bid process. PT Usha, President of the IOA, believes that hosting the Olympics would be a historic event for Indian sport and would carry deep cultural significance.
India has formally submitted its bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad, with the aim of leveraging this experience for the 2036 Olympic Games. The Indian proposal is based on the national development strategy, 'Viksit Bharat 2047', and emphasizes youth engagement, long-term socioeconomic impact, and the "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" ethos.
The decision on India's bid for the 2036 Olympics is now expected to take longer than initially anticipated. The IOC's new President, Kirsty Coventry, has established a working group to determine the appropriate time to identify a future host. Despite the delay, India remains committed to its Olympic ambitions and is actively working to strengthen its bid.
