The IOC is still considering the possibility of the 2036 Summer Games being held in the heavily populated Asian country, despite strong competition from some very strong rival bids. Already last year, at the IOC Annual Session, India made its bid to host the Games official. “We Indians not only love sports, we also live it,” said Narendra Modi, the country’s prime minister. Although no city has been specified, Ahmedabad, the city that boasts the world’s largest stadium with a capacity of 132,000, is considered the most likely candidate to host the country’s bid.
During the Paris 2024 Olympics, India has campaigned for the bid, reaching its climax with the inclusion of cricket as one of the five new Olympic sports from Los Angeles 2028.
YOGA, KHO KHO AND KABADDI
Indian sports officials’ plans during Paris 2024 is to “advocate strongly” to improve the country’s prospects of hosting the 2036 edition with the aim of promoting indigenous disciplines such as yoga, kho kho and kabaddi if the bid is successful. In June, the Sports Authority of India submitted a comprehensive report outlining the steps needed for a successful outcome to the newly appointed sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya, also highlighting chess, T20 cricket and squash.
In addition to India, other countries such as Indonesia, Poland, Saudi Arabia and Qatar are also interested in hosting the 2036 Games.
