India has thrown its name into the hat to become the host nation of the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games after submitting a letter of intent to the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) formally submitted its interest to the IOC’s Future Host Commission board. If India were to host the Olympics in 2036, it would mark the country’s first time ever hosting the games.
The IOA submitted the letter on 1 October following on from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s calls to host the Olympics one year prior.
Most recently, Modi and the IOA were “putting in all possible efforts” to host the Olympics in 2036, with its first action being the letter of formal intent. The Prime Minister also seeks to host the 2029 Youth Olympics as well.
“India is eager to host the Olympics in the country. India will leave no stone unturned in the preparation for the successful organisation of the Olympics in 2036 – this is the dream of the 1.4 billion Indians,” said Modi in October 2023.
“We want to realise this dream with your support. We are willing to host the 2029 Youth Olympics. I am sure India will get constant support from the IOC.”
Despite never hosting an Olympic or Paralympic Games, India has had prior experience of hosting major sporting events. In 2010, it hosted the Commonwealth Games and the 2008 Commonwealth Youth Games.
Whilst the 2010 Commonwealth Games was primarily held in Delhi, the country’s capital is in the running to be the primary host city of the 2036 Olympics if India is successful, with Ahmedabad also in consideration where the world’s largest stadium – the Narendra Modi Stadium – is located.
If the IOC were to approve of India’s formal intent letter and place it in the running to become the host of the 2036 Olympics, the organisation has laid out key elements it will take into consideration before any decision is made.
These elements are geopolitical, socio-economic, human development and environmental factors, as well as venue planning, alignment with long-term development plans, political and public support, and funding strategies, amongst others.
Other nations in the running to host the 2036 Olympics are Indonesia, Turkey, and Chile with all three confirmed bids.
Countries looking to submit potential bids include Canada, Denmark, Egypt, Hungary, Italy, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and South Korea.
