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India has taken a decisive step towards potentially hosting the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) formally submitted a Letter of Intent to the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) Future Host Commission on October 1st, signifying a significant milestone in India's ambitious bid. This move follows persistent expressions of interest from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who envisions the Games as a transformative event for the nation.
Prime Minister Modi's strong support for the bid underscores the potential benefits he sees in hosting the Games. He believes that the event could be a catalyst for economic growth, social progress, and youth empowerment across India. This vision has motivated India's top sports administrators, including IOA President PT Usha, who actively lobbied for the country's selection at the Paris Olympics earlier this year.
India's bid aims to showcase its cultural heritage by incorporating indigenous disciplines like yoga, kho kho, and kabaddi into the Games. These traditional sports hold a special place in Indian culture and could provide unique experiences for athletes and spectators alike. The Sports Authority of India's Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) has even developed a comprehensive report detailing the necessary steps for a successful bid, presenting it to the new sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya.
In this report, six disciplines have been identified as potential medal-winning sports for India: yoga, kho kho, kabaddi, chess, T20 cricket, and squash. The inclusion of these disciplines reflects India's commitment to promoting both traditional and modern sports on the global stage. PM Modi has previously emphasized the importance of the Games for India, emphasizing the need to gather input from athletes who have participated in previous Olympics to ensure a flawless execution of the event.
India's bid faces competition from nine other countries vying for the 2036 Games, including Mexico, Indonesia, Turkey, Poland, Egypt, and South Korea. The IOC's Future Host Commission will meticulously evaluate each potential host nation before making a final decision in the coming years. The selection process will consider various factors, including infrastructure, security, and the overall potential of the host nation to deliver a successful and memorable Games.
The journey towards hosting the 2036 Olympics is a long and challenging one. However, India's commitment to the bid, coupled with the widespread support from its leadership and athletes, suggests that the country is determined to make its dream a reality. If successful, hosting the Games would not only elevate India's global profile but also foster a sense of national pride and unity among its citizens.
Source: India formally send letter of intent to host 2036 Olympics, Paralympics: Report