'Serious considerations, interest in India on hosting Olympics': IOC chief Thomas Bach

International Olympics Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach has said that there is significant interest in India wanting to host the 2036 edition of the Olympics. India’s recent achievements include an impressive haul of 107 medals at the recently concluded Asian Games in Hangzhou. IOC Session:  Everything you need to know about the meeting in Mumbai The official bidding process for the 2036 Olympics has not yet commenced; however, Bach has indicated that there are serious considerations regarding the possibility. He also stated that the committee can only assess the situation once the proposal is officially presented. “We have so far noted that there’s a great interest and there are apparently serious considerations here within India (to bid for the Games). We have to wait now how this will turn into a project and will be brought forward to us. Only then we can form an opinion,” Bach said ahead of the 141st session of the International Olympic Committee. India’s performance at the Asian Games across different disciplines impressed Bach and he acknowledged the growth of Olympic games in the country. As per Bach, India’s performance at the Asian Games underlined the growth of the country and how they have spanned their wings across different games and not just shooting. Interestingly, India hosted the Commonwealth Games in 2010, which was marred by corruption allegations, but Bach said that they would not have any bearing on India’s bid if it so happens. “I don’t think the 2010 CWG will still play a role. You cannot fault such a young nation responsible for events where a majority of the people were not even born yet. The India of today cannot be compared with the India of 2010,” Bach went on to add. The IOC session will take place in Mumbai this weekend from 15 to 17 October. It will be held at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai.