India takes first step towards hosting 2036 Olympics, submits letter of intent to International Olympic Committee: Sources

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has formally submitted a letter of intent for hosting the 2036 Olympics to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), it was revealed on Tuesday. As per sources, the letter of Intent was sent to the Future Host Commission, International Olympic Committee on 1st October 2024 expressing India’s interest in hosting the Olympics and Paralympics Games in 2036.

The Government of India hopes that the opportunity to host the 2036 Olympics “could bring substantial benefits, fostering economic growth, social progress, and youth empowerment across the country,” the source added.

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PM Modi’s dream: Hosting 2036 Olympics

It was during the historic International Olympic Committee (IOC) Annual Session in Mumbai’s Jio World Centre in 2023 that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had confirmed India’s bid for the 2036 Summer Olympics . PM Modi has said that the country will “leave no stone unturned” in winning the 20236 Summer Games hosting rights bid.

“India is very excited to organise an Olympics. India will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to organise the 2036 Olympics. It’s a dream of 140 crore Indians. With the support of IOC, we would want to fulfill this dream.

“Sports is not just for winning medals but it is also the best way to win hearts. It not only gives rise to champions but also promotes peace,” Modi said.

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PM Modi had also confirmed that India was willing to host the 2029 Youth Olympics.

The Annual Session was also attended by IOC President Thomas Bach.

India’s informal 2036 Olympics bid began in July 2024

While the formal letter of intent was submitted only in October, the informal exchange between IOA and Future Host Commission began in July 2024 .

As a next step in the process, the IOC is expected to complete a feasibility study to assess the state of progress of a project. It will also help the ‘Interested Party’ (India in this case) make improvements and help the IOC Executive Board(EB) with its strategic long-term outlook and decision-making.

This will be followed by an in-depth study which will also consider venue costs, public opinion, and potential environmental impact. Finally, a host will elected through voting at an IOC Session.

India is aiming to host the 20236 Olympics in Ahmedabad and the construction work on new projects is already underway , as per the news reports.

The host for the 2036 Olympics could be declared at the 2025 IOC session.