India sends Letter of Intent to host 2036 Games

Sub : IR

Sec : Int org

Context:

India has taken the first step in its bid to host the 2036 Summer Olympics by submitting a Letter of Intent to the Future Hosts Commission (FHC) of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
The push for hosting the Olympics is part of the government’s broader ambition to host major international sporting events, including the 2030 Youth Olympics.
India plans to include traditional sports like Yoga, Kho-Kho, Kabaddi, and Chess in its 2036 Olympic bid, showcasing the country’s unique cultural contribution to global sports.

Significance of Hosting the Olympics:

If India wins the bid, it will become the fourth Asian country to host the Summer Olympics, following the examples of China (Beijing 2008), South Korea (Seoul 1988), and Japan (Tokyo 1964, 2020).
Hosting the Olympics would be an achievement for India, significantly raising its profile on the global stage. The Olympics would offer India a chance to showcase its rich cultural heritage, advanced technology, and growing economic power.
It would also boost infrastructure, tourism, and international diplomatic standing.

IOC’s Bid Selection Process:

The FHC engages in initial discussions with the countries or cities interested in hosting, but this stage does not focus on specific bids.
The FHC then moves into a more rigorous phase, where it evaluates key aspects of a potential host city, including infrastructure (stadiums, transport, etc.), accommodation and security. At this stage, the IOC also seeks guarantees from the bidding cities.
An advisory report is then prepared for the IOC Executive Board, which will take the final decision.

Challenges for India:

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has been plagued by long-standing infighting, which has led to a standstill in its operations for several months. The IOA remains the official communication channel with the IOC. A unified IOA is crucial for presenting a strong bid.
While India has made substantial progress in developing sports infrastructure, the scale of the Olympics requires an extensive and world-class set of facilities and services, which may take time to fully prepare.

Other bidders:

India faces strong competition for the 2036 Olympics, with confirmed bids from Santiago (Chile), Jakarta, Bali, and Nusantara (Indonesia), and Istanbul (Turkey).
Additionally, cities like Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) and Doha (Qatar), backed by substantial financial resources, are also considering bids, intensifying the competition.