India's bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games may have received a boost as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has effectively sidelined Indonesia, a rival bidder. The IOC has urged international sports federations to refrain from hosting events in Indonesia after the country barred Israeli gymnasts from participating in a world championship held there. This decision casts serious doubts on Indonesia's chances of hosting the 2036 Games.

The IOC's action stems from Indonesia's denial of visas to Israeli gymnasts for the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Jakarta, a move triggered by objections to Israel's military actions in Gaza. Senior legal affairs minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra cited objections from the Indonesian government and Islamic clerics as reasons for the ban. The Israel Gymnastics Federation expressed their shock and heartbreak over the decision.

In response, the IOC not only urged sports federations to avoid Indonesia but also halted all discussions regarding a potential Olympic bid from the country. The IOC has stated that discussions will only resume if the Indonesian government provides assurances that all athletes, regardless of nationality, will be allowed to compete in future events. Furthermore, the IOC will modify its qualification principles to guarantee access for all athletes, irrespective of nationality, in any Olympic Games qualification event.

Indonesia, the world's largest Muslim-majority country, has repeatedly expressed interest in hosting the 2036 Summer Olympics. President Joko Widodo had announced plans to hold the Games in Nusantara, the country's new capital city, which is currently under construction. However, the IOC's recent decision has significantly diminished Indonesia's prospects.

Meanwhile, India has formalized its intention to host the 2036 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games, submitting an official letter of intent to the IOC in October 2024. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal stated that preparations for the 2036 Olympics are in full swing. Ahmedabad is being considered as the potential host city, with the Narendra Modi Stadium as a possible venue for the opening ceremony.

India is also bidding to host the Commonwealth Games in 2030, which it sees as an opportunity to showcase its ability to host large-scale multi-sport events. Commonwealth Sport has endorsed Ahmedabad as the host city for the 2030 Games. Hosting the Commonwealth Games could serve as a stepping stone for India's Olympic ambitions.

However, India's Olympic bid has faced challenges, including concerns about mismanagement and governance issues within the Indian Olympic Association, as well as the country's doping record. The IOC has urged India to address these issues. Despite these challenges, India's bid appears to be gaining momentum, particularly with Indonesia's Olympic aspirations now in jeopardy.