During his Independence Day address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced India's ambition to host the 2036 Olympic Games.
Preparations are already being made to realize this dream, even though India has never hosted the Olympics before.
Challenges and Realities:
India has generally underperformed in global athletics and lacks world-class track and field infrastructure.
Despite these challenges, the ambition to host the Olympics is bold but not impossible.
Rising Sporting Prowess:
India's sporting capabilities are improving, and Indian athletes are gaining respect globally.
There is a significant rise in sports engagement within the country.
Success in the Olympic bid will depend on building consensus both within India and internationally.
Process of Electing the Future Olympic Host
Hosting the Olympics is a massive effort, requiring extensive infrastructure development and planning.
The Paris 2024 Olympics involved 329 medal events across 32 sports, highlighting the scale of the event.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) reformed the bidding process after corruption allegations related to the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Games.
The revamped selection process was first used in 2021 when Brisbane was chosen as the host city for the 2032 Games.
Contender cities now engage in confidential discussions with the Future Host Commission (FHC)
The FHC assesses feasibility, environmental concerns, and human rights standards.
The IOC is expected to hold an election in 2026 to choose the host for the 2036 Games.
India's Preparations for the Olympic Bid
India’s journey towards hosting the Olympics began after the successful hosting of the Commonwealth Games in 2010.
The government reformed sports associations through the National Sports Development Code and launched the Khelo India Scheme in 2017.
Khelo India Initiative:
The scheme focuses on upgrading sports infrastructure, talent development, and promoting sports academies.
The Khelo India Rising Talent Identification programme targets individuals aged 9 to 18, nurturing them with government support.
28 Indian athletes participating in the Paris 2024 Olympics are Khelo India athletes.
State Contributions and Sporting Events
Sports is a state subject in India, under Entry 33 of the State List in the Seventh Schedule.
Tamil Nadu leads in terms of sports infrastructure and recently announced plans for a Global Sports City near Chennai.
Tamil Nadu has advanced in beach sports, with Kovalam hosting international surfing events and Chennai hosting international beach volleyball and sailing events.
Tamil Nadu has invested heavily in sports infrastructure, having hosted events like the South Asian Federation Games and Khelo India Youth Games.
Bhubaneswar, Odisha, showcased its world-class facilities during the FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023.
Strategic Planning for India's Olympic Bid
To minimize costs, India could capitalize on existing sports infrastructure in states like Tamil Nadu, Delhi, and Odisha.
Paris reduced its capital expenditure by utilizing existing venues for the 2024 Olympics.
A collaborative and cooperative approach among stakeholders is essential for a successful bid.
The Union government must lead the effort, with states being actively involved in the planning process.
A committee comprising representatives from states with advanced sports infrastructure, like Tamil Nadu and Odisha, should be formed.
The committee should ensure that India’s bid meets the criteria set by the FHC.
The bid should be constructed in the national interest, representing the country's true potential.
As pointed out by IMF officials, meaningful reforms across all sectors are crucial for realizing India's Olympic ambition and ensuring sustainable development.
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