India's interest in hosting the Olympics
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement at the International Olympic Committee (IOC) session in Mumbai that India to do everything possible in its efforts to organise the 2036 edition of Olympics.
That India has also expressed an interest in the Youth Olympics as a precursor is a clear signal that it wants to shed the reticence that came with the unsavoury happenings at the scam-ridden and ineptly handled 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games.
Though the ratification of the host city for 2036 will take time.
Brisbane was selected for the 2032 edition only in July 2021.
Potential benefits for India
The move lays bare India’s global ambitions.
Be it through the desire for a permanent membership at the United Nations Security Council or the euphoria surrounding the G-20 presidency, India has consistently sought a seat at the high table.
The tag of an Olympic host can give it a vantage position in a shifting world order.
Sporting-wise, India wants to benefit from the strong tailwind produced by the stellar 107-medal show at the recently concluded Asian Games.
There is even a firm belief that India will win double-digit medals at Paris 2024.
Challenges for India
Conducting a mega event such as the Olympics presents a humongous challenge.
Costs are often prohibitive, as seen from the fierce public outcry during both Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020.
In the case of Tokyo, the financial burden was said to have ballooned to $15.4 billion, more than double the initial estimate.
India’s success will depend on how it marries its aspirations with the inherent complexities.
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