India will make a bid to host the Olympic Games in 2036. The plan would be given to the complete members of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) during the IOC Session in Mumbai in September next year, union sports minister Anurag Thakur said here on Tuesday.
Thakur told TOI in an exclusive interview that the government will support the Indian Olympic Association’s (IOA) quest to host the Games and that Gujarat’s Ahmedabad will most likely be the ‘host city,’ with world-class athletic facilities. The union minister stated that with India having already hosted the 1982 Asian Games and the 2010 Commonwealth Games, the Summer Olympics were the next natural pit stop for the country.
“If India can host the G20 Presidency in such a huge fashion, I am confident the government will be able to pitch in to host the Olympics in the nation together with the IOA. We all know that the spots are reserved till 2032. But, from 2036 onwards, we have hope, and I am confident that India will.
When asked if India was prepared to host the Olympics in 2036, Thakur responded: “Yes, India is prepared to make a firm bid for it. There is no reason for us to refuse. If India is making such an effort to promote sports, I can tell you that we will not only host the Olympics, but will do it in grand style. The timing is ideal for hosting the Games. If India is creating headlines in every industry, from manufacturing to services, why not in sports? India is seriously considering bidding for the 2036 Olympics.”
Thakur stated that the government will create a plan in collaboration with the IOA, which will be presented during the IOC Session. “Yes, we will be able to give the roadmap to them (IOC members) before then (September 2023). The IOC Session is a major event for India, and the government would support whatever actions are necessary to bid with the IOA. It must be a collaborative effort.”
He continued: “Gujarat has indicated interest in hosting the Olympics on multiple occasions. They have the infrastructure, including hotels, hostels, airports, and sports facilities. They are serious about making a bid. It is also part of the Gujarat state government’s agenda to host the Olympics.”
The state administration has already begun preparations for an exchange with the IOC to identify venues and infrastructure that would be required in Ahmedabad for the Olympics. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave, a multi-sport complex stretching across 236 acres, is being created for this purpose at a cost of roughly Rs 4600 crore.
Thakur was also questioned on the involvement of Chinese athletes in forthcoming games in India in the aftermath of the new Covid-19 wave in China. The Yonex Sunrise India Open badminton competition (January 17-22) will be held at the IG stadium in India, followed by the IBA women’s world boxing championships (March 15-31) and the Asian wrestling meet (March 28-April 2). Each of the three
“When we look at the Tokyo Olympics, we see that it was also held during the pinnacle of Covid-19. Anyone entering India would be required to follow norms and standards. The athletes will have to follow them as well. The country has already implemented the Covid-19 procedures “He stated.
After Pakistan shooters were denied visas for the shooting World Cup here in February 2019, the IOC banned India as a future host for any sports events. Later, the Indian government offered a formal promise to the IOC that visas will be granted to athletes from all nations “without any prejudice to our principled stances and policies on other political concerns”.
Anurag Thakur: India is ready to bid for the 2036 Olympics
