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India has taken a significant step toward hosting the 2036 Summer Olympics by submitting a ‘Letter of Intent’ to the International Olympic Committee (IOC). This marks a formal declaration of India’s intention to stage the Games after months of preliminary discussions with the IOC. While India is eager to bring the Olympics to the country, it faces fierce competition from other nations. The IOC president, Thomas Bach, has revealed that a “double-digit” number of countries are vying to host the 2036 edition, signifying a crowded field of contenders.
Among the most prominent competitors, Saudi Arabia and Qatar stand out as India's main rivals. An unwritten rule of rotating the Olympics between continents suggests that Asia is in line to host the 2036 Games following Paris 2024 (Europe), Los Angeles 2028 (Americas), and Brisbane 2032 (Oceania). However, this rule remains unwritten, leaving the door open for other nations to challenge the Asian dominance. Qatar, despite unsuccessful bids for the 2016 and 2020 Olympics, has invested heavily in world-class sports facilities and infrastructure, particularly after successfully hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2022. Saudi Arabia, too, has demonstrated its ambition to host mega-events by pouring resources into global sports and infrastructure development.
Beyond Saudi Arabia and Qatar, other countries have shown interest in hosting the 2036 Olympics. Istanbul, Turkey, with its experience hosting major sporting events, is leveraging its location bridging Europe and Asia to make a bid. Indonesia, having participated in the Paris 2024 Games with observer status, has formally declared its readiness to bid. Chile has also expressed interest in hosting the 2036 Games. The competition for hosting the Olympics is intense, and India’s success hinges on its ability to present a compelling case and demonstrate its readiness to host a global sporting spectacle.
Beyond the initial stages of the ‘Letter of Intent,’ India will enter the ‘Continuous Dialogue’ phase of the host election process. This phase involves a ‘feasibility study’ conducted by the IOC to assess the progress of projects related to the Games in the potential host country. The evaluation extends beyond infrastructure, encompassing human rights, social responsibility, and sustainability. If the IOC deems India’s progress satisfactory, it could recommend a ‘Targeted Dialogue’ for India, transitioning it to ‘Preferred Host’ status. The final decision regarding the host city rests with the IOC Executive Board, who will propose one or more hosts to the IOC membership for a secret ballot vote.
The financial implications of hosting the Olympics are a significant factor for any nation. While the Games can boost tourism, create jobs, and drive infrastructure development, the financial burden can be substantial. Past examples like the Montreal 1976 Games, which resulted in economic decline due to escalating costs, and the Athens 2004 Games, linked to Greece’s financial crisis, highlight the risks of poorly managed Olympic ventures. However, successful examples like the London 2012 Olympics demonstrate the potential for positive economic impact when the Games are strategically planned and executed. London’s emphasis on sustainable infrastructure and versatile venues ensured a long-term return on investment, showcasing the potential for the Olympics to contribute to a city’s economic growth and development.
India’s bid to host the 2036 Olympics presents a unique opportunity for the nation to showcase its progress and potential. While the competition is stiff, India’s cultural richness, infrastructure development, and growing sporting prowess offer a compelling proposition. The success of India’s bid hinges on a comprehensive strategy that balances the financial aspects of hosting the Games with the long-term benefits of development and social impact. By strategically planning and executing the Games, India can leverage the Olympics as a platform for national pride and economic growth.
Source: India’s Olympic bid: Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, Indonesia among major competitors