India’s bid for hosting the 2036 Olympics and Paralympics must not be scoffed at

India to host the 2036 Olympics and Paralympics
India to host the 2036 Olympics and Paralympics (PC: Olympic Council of Asia)

India wanting to host the 2036 Olympics and Paralympics is a realistic dream. For those who wake up to the Olympics every four years and say a country with a population well in excess of a billion can win only a few medals, the mentality is different. Sadly, this mentality reflects the lack of a sporting culture in India. It also brings to the fore pessimism, since India have not won medals in bulk at a single edition of the Olympics. If that is the yardstick, does winning 29 medals in the Paris 2024 Paralympics not mean anything? It does, for these champions have battled against the odds to win medals.

Thankfully, though, the awareness is increasing. More efforts are being made to provide ramps, treat para-athletes at par. Last week, there was a great photo of Paralympian

Deepa Malik at the wheels of a SUV. The vehicle was designed especially for her, keeping in mind her medical condition. And the message which Deepa had posted was so emotional.

Today, India is not just another country in the world. It is developing, in a real sense. The letter written to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha is worded in such a way which captures the essence of why India wishes to host the Summer Games. There is mention of culture, diversity, different religions (faith) and how India will receive the athletes and officials as guests. The Sanskrit phrase ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbam’ means the world is one family, and that has been used as a catchphrase to attract the IOC.

To be sure, the IOC has not laughed at India’s interest in hosting the 2036 Games. There are many more countries in fray, Indonesia included. Why this becomes important is, Indonesia is also part of Asia, so two nations from the same region competing is good news. It is healthy competition. As for India, the country is on the right track.

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PT Usha and Indian Olympics
PT Usha and Indian Olympics (PC: X)

At the start of 2024, there may have been instability in the minds of many, as the General Election was approaching. Now that the elections are over, there has been a strong push that India expresses interest to host the 2036 Olympics. The message has come from the highest office that India (IOA) should write to the IOC. There is no ambiguity in it.

Indeed, India expressing interest to host the Olympics also means a host city has to be mentioned, officially. Unofficially, everyone knows, including nations abroad, Ahmedabad is the likely host city. Way back in 2021, when the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad had been redeveloped, there was a buzz that the city could host the Olympics. For those who say a ‘dry state’ cannot host an Olympics, that would be a lame excuse. Doha hosted the 2022 FIFA World Cup and a famous beer brand was not allowed to advertise near the stadia. It led to a furore as the company had coughed up big money. This, though, will be the least of the problems, should Ahmedabad and perhaps even one more city be chosen to host the 2036 Olympics. While Ahmedabad will be the main centre, another city could host a few events.

There has been constant chatter, hosting an Olympics means huge losses and a drain on the economy. The letter from the IOA has talked of “job creation” and a young population which will gain from hosting the Olympics. To think only the taxpayers’ money will be splurged on hosting the Olympics is wrong. Today, India has many corporates who are willing to back the bid as well, though names cannot be mentioned. There are real estate and infrastructure to be developed. It is only after thinking about costs and projected escalation, which always has to be factored, India has written to the IOC on the Olympic bid.

If India wants to showcase itself as a capable host, why should it be mocked? So many big events have been hosted by India, and the Olympics can also happen. And if someone says the IOA is in turmoil, that is not going to be a real issue. When London hosted the Olympics in 2012, Boris Johnson was the Mayor. Even he faced flak from the Americans. Yet, London hosted a good Olympics. Brazil in 2016 was in trouble due to political turmoil and corruption.

Surely, the forecast for India in the future is good. And the Games will capture the country’s ethos, as mentioned in the letter written to the IOC.

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