On India’s bid to host Olympics 2036 – Is India ready to host the Olympic Games?

Source: This post on India’s bid to host Olympics 2036 has been created based on the article “Is India ready to host the Olympic Games?” published in The Hindu on 27^th October 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 International Relations — India’s Soft Power.
GS Paper 2 Governance — Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors.

News: This article discusses the opportunities and challenges in front of India in its bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games.

A detailed account of India’s bid to host Olympics 2036 has been discussed here: https://forumias.com/blog/indias-bid-to-host-olympics-2036-explained-pointwise/

What is the process of Selection of Host Country/City for Olympics?

In the 2014 IOC session, roadmap for the future of the Olympic Movement, Olympic Agenda 2020, was laid out.  It dealt with a new process for host city selection, and it was called the ‘New Norm’. It is based on 3 Pillars – Flexibility, Sustainability and Cost Effectiveness.

Why does hosting an Olympics hold such great importance?

1) Pinnacle of sports: It showcases not only the nation to the world, but also soft power.

2) Political statement: India is a geopolitical power, and its standing will go up if it hosts the Games.

3) Showcasing development: Hosting the Olympics would also underscore India’s importance as a sporting nation and showcase its development.

4) Promotion of Investment and Tourism- India’s bid for hosting the Olympics can catalyse investment and tourism in the country.

What are the necessary conditions for making an Olympics successful?

1) Strong National Olympic Committee (NOC): The Games are given to the NOC, which is India’s Indian Olympic Association (IOA). It has to be governed efficiently.

2) Strong legacy: Including people’s participation, the social structure, and building of infrastructure.

3) Coordination and cohesion: Knowing how to work with one another well would be important.  All elements such as culture, hospitality, infrastructure, government, and sports bodies have to work in coordination.

What does India need to do to host a successful Olympics?

1) Games Village: You need to have a top-class village for the Games.

2) Specialists: Including marketing specialists, engineers, scientists, etc.

3) Sound ports governance: Indian sport is governed poorly. Most federations are not functioning properly.

4) Temporary movable structures: Temporary structures, instead of big stadia, can be built, and after the Games, they can be used by the community.

5) Shortlist cities and hire feasibility consultants: To report on cities that can host the Games best.

Question for practice:

‘India’s ambitious bid for 2036 Olympics has brought with it various opportunities and challenges’. Elaborate.