The 2036 Olympic Games could be heading to India with reports suggesting the country has taken a formal step towards making this dream a reality.
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) submitted a Letter of Intent to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on October 1, marking a crucial move towards realizing the country’s vision of bringing the Olympic and Paralympic Games to India in 2036. India will have to fend off competition from 9 other nations for the honour including Mexico, Indonesia, Turkey, and South Korea.
The country’s involvement in the bidding process has been described by experts as a “monumental opportunity” that could bring widespread benefits, spurring economic growth, social progress, and youth empowerment across the nation.
The Indian government is also reportedly pushing to spotlight indigenous sports, like yoga and kabaddi, in the Olympic arena if the bid succeeds.
India will also test its luck with the 2030 Youth Olympics, which could lay the groundwork for India’s Olympic infrastructure.
At the last IOC meeting, India’s Prime Minister emphasized the importance of this effort, calling it an “age-old dream and aspiration of 140 crore Indians.” He added that India would “leave no stone unturned” in its preparation, including gathering input from past Olympians to ensure every detail is meticulously planned.
While the next two games’ locations are set in stone with the 2028 games taking place in Los Angeles and the 2032 Games heading to Brisbane, India’s mere involvement in the bidding process showcases its growing stature as a global sporting giant.