India officially bids for 2036 Olympics; Ahmedabad proposed host city

Lausanne: India has officially thrown its hat into the ring to host the 2036 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games, formally presenting Ahmedabad as its proposed host city to International Olympic Committee (IOC) officials in Lausanne. This ambitious bid underscores India's aspiration to bring the prestigious global event to its shores for the first time.

An Indian delegation, comprising representatives from the Union Sports Ministry, the Gujarat government, and Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha, unveiled their vision for the Games. The bid emphasises providing young Indians with the unparalleled opportunity to experience the Olympics in their home country, while also promoting the cherished Indian principle of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam," signifying "the world is one family," to welcome global participants.

India's formal entry coincides with a temporary pause in the IOC's host selection process. The new IOC chief, Kirsty Coventry, announced this halt due to concerns raised by IOC members regarding their level of involvement in decision-making. A working group is set to be established to review and potentially revise this process.

Despite the procedural pause, the Indian delegation utilised the meeting to meticulously outline their comprehensive vision for hosting the Olympics in Ahmedabad. The discussions also served as a crucial opportunity to gain deeper insights into the IOC's specific requirements and its broader aspirations for the Olympic Movement's future direction.

India is set to face formidable competition for the 2036 Games, with other nations such as Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Turkey, and Chile also reportedly eyeing the opportunity to host the quadrennial spectacle.