In 2036, India Hopes to Host the Olympic Games. Is the nation prepared?

India has expressed its intention to bid for hosting the 2036 Olympics, following its successful organization of the Group of 20 (G20) summit and Business 20 meetings in 2023. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the country’s dream to host the Olympics, with Indonesia, Mexico, Turkey, and Poland also expressing interest in hosting the Games in 2036. Nita Mukesh Ambani, founder and chairperson of Reliance Foundation, expressed India’s readiness to host the Olympics and highlighted the country’s potential. Reliance Industries, India’s largest private sector company, partnered with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to support national sports federations and elevate the performance of Indian athletes.

The 2010 Commonwealth Games hosted by India faced challenges such as construction delays, missed deadlines, and a significant budget overrun, leading to criticism and controversies. The Cricket World Cup in India in 2023 also drew criticism for issues like poor transport connectivity, a lack of amenities in stadiums, and reports of empty seats during matches involving other teams. Despite these challenges, India’s interest in hosting the Olympics is seen as a positive development for the Olympic movement.

International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach acknowledged the dialogue with the IOA and the Indian government regarding the bid, emphasizing India’s growing interest in Olympic sports beyond traditional disciplines. However, past debacles, including corruption scandals and cost overruns, have raised concerns about India’s ability to successfully host the Olympics. David Carter, an adjunct professor of sports business, highlighted the importance of clear objectives and political will in organizing the Games, with a focus on economic returns and national branding.

While India’s hosting capability is yet to be determined, prospective host nations must address logistical challenges, community buy-in, and the needs of broadcasters and sponsors to deliver a successful Olympics. The bid for the 2036 Olympics marks a significant aspiration for India, and the outcome will depend on effective planning, execution, and overcoming past controversies.