India is moving forward with its bid to host the Olympics 2036, a step formalized on October 1 when the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports submitted an official letter. A ministry source told PTI that hosting the Olympics 2036 could be a “monumental opportunity” for India, with potential to drive economic growth, social progress, and youth empowerment across the country.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi initially voiced his government’s aspirations to bring the Olympics to India back in 2023. This ambition gained traction when, in September 2023, IOC President Thomas Bach told CNBC-TV18 that “India can make a strong case” for hosting the Games. He highlighted India’s growing role in Olympic sports and stated, “There is a strong case for the reasons I am giving and seeing how India is flourishing and developing and how India now is embracing Olympic sports.” Bach acknowledged the unique potential India has to elevate the Olympic movement, making it a welcome addition to the international sporting landscape.
India’s bid, however, faces competition. With the IOC elections set for 2025, India will be up against other serious contenders like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey, who are also eyeing the chance to host the Olympics 2036 Games.
On the planning front, the Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) has presented a comprehensive report to Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, outlining the steps needed for a successful bid. The MOC has identified six sports—yoga, kho kho, kabaddi, chess, T20 cricket, and squash—that it hopes to see included in the Olympics if India is awarded the Games.
