The most populous country on the planet has submitted a letter of intent to the International Olympic Committee, stating India’s interest in hosting the 2036 Summer Olympics.
If successful, India will host the Olympic Games for the first time ever.
“We are inspired by the achievements of our athletes who have made the Indian flag proud,” India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi said last year. “Hosting the 2036 Olympics is a dream we are actively working towards.”
It is believed that India’s plan has been supported by IOC president Thomas Bach and that Ahmedabad, India’s seventh-largest city, is the frontrunner to be the host city, per India Weekly.
“Our commitment to hosting the 2036 Summer Games remains steadfast,” said India Olympic Association president, P.T. Usha.
Usha added that she has been in “continuous contact” with the IOC president.
“I am optimistic that India will be viewed as a gracious host.”
Despite its population of more than 1.4 billion, India has not been a major player at the Olympics in the past. It has never hosted an Olympic Games before, nor has it even come close to being picked to host one.
India has also struggled to reach the podium regularly, failing to win a gold medal at three of the last four Summer Olympics.
That could change if India hosts in 2036, though. Not only would India likely invest more money in Olympic sports than it has in the past, but host countries would get a say on adding events. Yoga is among the sports India is pushing to be included, along with kho kho, kabaddi, chess, squash, and T20 cricket.
A decision on who will host the 2036 Olympics isn’t expected until next year. India will have competition, as a number of countries have reported interest in hosting, including Indonesia, Türkiye, Chile, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.
The Olympics are headed back to Italy in 2026, with Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo hosting the Winter Games. Los Angeles will host the next Summer Olympics in 2028.
Other future Olympic hosts include the French Alps (2030), Brisbane (2032), and Salt Lake City (2034).
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