News Brief
India Formally Submits Bid For Hosting 2036 Olympics To IOC: Report
Olympics’ official flag (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
Taking a major stride in its ambition to be recognised as a major sports hub, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has formally sent a Letter of Intent to the Future Host Commission of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
This letter, sent on 1 October, expressed India's interest to host the Olympics and Paralympics Games in 2036, news agency IANS reported citing sources.
"Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games in India in 2036 has taken a significant step forward," the source was quoted as saying in IANS report.
"This monumental opportunity could bring substantial benefits, fostering economic growth, social progress, and youth empowerment across the country," the source added.
On several occasions, PM Modi has expressed India's interest in hosting the 2036 Olympics and Paralympics Games.
During a gathering with athletes from the Paris Olympics at the Independence Day celebrations at his New Delhi residence, PM Modi solicited their inputs for the preparations of hosting the Olympics in 2036.
"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.
"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," he had said.
Thomas Bach, the President of the IOC, also endorsed India’s candidacy, stating that there is a "strong case" for India to be the host nation for the Olympic Games.
India is one of the ten countries that have expressed interest in hosting the 2036 Olympic Games. In November 2022, the IOC started discussions with these countries, including India, which have shown interest.
The list of ten countries initially interested in hosting the 2036 Games includes 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 International Olympic Committee (IOC) will allot the hosting rights for the Olympics through a detailed host selection process.
The IOC has a dedicated body, the Future Host Commission, which deals with this subject.
