The Indian Olympic Association has officially declared an interest in hosting the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games by submitting the ‘Letter of Intent’ to the International Olympic Committee’s Future Host Commission in its ambitious bid.
According to one source within the sports ministry, the letter was actually sent on October 1. The source quoted, “This historic opportunity could hold great benefits: economic and social development for the country and creating opportunities for young people.”.
The Indian prime minister, Narendra Modi, first floated his government’s vision for the 2036 Olympics last year. But a decision on which country will host the games is likely to be made only after next year’s IOC elections. India would, of course, be competing with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey-line up to tout themselves as heavyweights in the fray.
According to current IOC President Thomas Bach, he will back the bid. India most recently hosted an international multi-sporting event in 2010 with the Commonwealth Games. At present, Ahmedabad is considered the front-runner for the host city of the 2036 Olympics.
Leading sport officials, of which included IOA president PT Usha, toured the Paris Olympics earlier this year to press for India’s bid. It is learned that yoga, kho-kho and kabaddi are a few sports that India could push in case the country gets into the fray, according to reports.
The MOC of the Sports Authority of India has also provided a detailed report to the new Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya about the steps needed to be taken for a successful bid. The document said that six sports including yoga, kho kho, kabaddi, chess, T20 cricket, and squash are proposed to be added to the Games if India manages to get the rights for hosting the event.
However, the IOA is presently caught in controversy due to on-going squabbles between Usha and the Executive Council of the organization which has repeatedly refused to give approval to the appointment of her favorite candidate for the CEO position, Raghuram Iyer.