India Launches Official Bid for 2036 Summer Olympics, Eyes Ahmedabad as Host City

India has formally announced its bid to host the 2036 Summer Olympic Games, with Ahmedabad named as the proposed host city.

An AI-generated image of Gujarati folk dancers performing Garba in front of the Olympic rings.

A delegation comprising representatives from the Union Sports Ministry, the Gujarat government, and Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha met with International Olympic Committee (IOC) officials in Lausanne on Tuesday. The meeting served as the platform to officially confirm Ahmedabad as India's choice to host the prestigious sporting event. This occurred shortly after the IOC announced a pause in the host selection process for future Games.

The Indian delegation presented Ahmedabad's bid, marking the first official communication of this intention to the IOC. With Brisbane already slated to host the 2032 Olympics, India is focusing on securing the 2036 Summer Games.

The representatives outlined their vision for hosting the Olympics in Ahmedabad, receiving valuable information from the IOC regarding the requirements and future aspirations for the Olympic Movement.

Key Highlights of India's Bid:

• National Priority: Hosting the Olympics would provide 600 million young Indians with their first opportunity to experience the Games on home soil.
• Cultural Integration: The proposal incorporates the Indian principle of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" – the world is one family – aiming to welcome global participants as one during the Games.
• Government Support: Gujarat Sports Minister Harsh Sanghavi affirmed India's commitment to partnering with the IOC throughout the bidding process.
• Generational Impact: IOA President PT Usha emphasized the potential of the Olympics in India to have a lasting impact on generations of Indians.

According to a press release, the discussions provided a vital platform for the Indian delegation to articulate their vision for hosting a future Olympic Games in Ahmedabad. They also gained invaluable insights from the IOC regarding the requirements for the Olympic Games and its ambitions for the future of the Olympic Movement.

Competition and IOC Process:

India faces competition from other nations vying for the 2036 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games, including Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Turkey, and Chile.

The timing of India's bid coincides with recent changes in the IOC's host selection process. IOC chief Kirsty Coventry recently announced a pause in the selection process, due to IOC members requesting more involvement in the decision-making. A working group will be established to review the host selection process and timing of future host announcements.