India’s ambitious bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games

Source: The post India’s ambitious bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games has been created, based on the article “A game plan for India’s success as 2036 Olympic host” published in “The Hindu” on 31st August 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2 International Relations — India’s Soft Power.

Context: The article discusses India’s ambitious bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games. It highlights India’s growing sports infrastructure, with Tamil Nadu and Odisha leading in facilities. Successful hosting depends on national cooperation and leveraging existing sports infrastructure to create a cost-efficient and eco-friendly bid.

For detailed information on India’s Bid to host Olympics 2036 read this article here

How Has India Prepared for Such a Bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games?

1. India’s preparation to host the 2036 Olympic Games began after hosting the successful 2010 Commonwealth Games.
2. The Union Government introduced the National Sports Development Code to reform sports associations.
3. The Khelo India Scheme was launched in 2017 to enhance sports infrastructure and identify talent from grassroots levels.
4. The Khelo India program has been effective; 28 athletes from this initiative participated in the Paris Olympics.

What Role Do States Play in Sports Development?

1. Sports is managed at the state level in India, under Entry 33 of the State List in the Constitution.
2. Tamil Nadu leads in sports infrastructure with nearly 390 Olympic-standard facilities, followed by Delhi with 161 and Odisha with 153.
3. Tamil Nadu is planning a Global Sports City near Chennai with world-class facilities, including a multipurpose stadium and Olympic-size swimming pool.
4. Odisha showcased its infrastructure by hosting the FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup in 2023.
5. These states are vital for India’s cost-efficient and eco-friendly bid to host the 2036 Olympics.

How Can India Make a Cost-Efficient Olympic Bid?

1. Leverage Existing Infrastructure: Like Paris 2024, India can reduce costs by using existing sports facilities. Tamil Nadu, for instance, has nearly 390 Olympic-standard infrastructure facilities, Delhi has 161, and Odisha has 153.
2. State-Level Collaboration: States with strong sports infrastructure, such as Tamil Nadu, Delhi, and Odisha, should be key partners in the Olympic bid.
3. Strategic Planning: Forming a multi-stakeholder committee with representatives from key states can ensure a unified, efficient, and cost-effective approach to bidding, making the most of existing resources.
4. Environmental and Economic Focus: Emphasizing eco-friendly and economically sound planning, as required by the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC), will strengthen India’s bid.

What is Required for a Successful Olympic Bid?

1. India needs to work collaboratively across all levels of government and with various stakeholders to prepare a strong bid.
2. This includes forming a multi-stakeholder committee that includes representatives from key states with significant sports infrastructure.
3. Such an approach will ensure a comprehensive and representative bid, enhancing India’s chances of hosting the 2036 Olympics.

Question for practice:

Examine the role of state-level sports infrastructure in India’s bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games.