India’s Bid to Host 2036 Olympics Could Cost a Staggering Rs 64,000 Crore: Report

India has consistently shown its desire to host the 2036 Summer Olympics. Last year in October, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) officially sent a Letter of Intent to the Future Host Commission of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), reaffirming the nation’s interest in hosting the prestigious international event.

Now, a latest report indicates that organizing the Olympics may have an enormous cost, between Rs 34,700 crore and Rs 64,000 crore. A high-level coordination committee has recently met in Gandhinagar, where a document named Review Meeting – Preparedness towards Amdavad 2036 was tabled, reiterating India’s resolve to host the event.

India’s Olympic Dream to Surpass Paris 2024 Costs

According to a report by The Times of India (TOI), which accessed the document, India’s estimated expenditure for the 2036 Olympics would exceed the Rs 32,765 crore spent on the Paris 2024 Olympics.

“The final masterplan, obtained by TOI, shows approximated expenditure incurred in taking the sporting event to Gujarat’s twin cities and four other urban centers — namely Bhopal, Goa, Mumbai, and Pune — putting the possible expense in perspective of past Olympic Games editions,” the report added.

IOC President’s Stance on India’s Olympic Bid

Recently-elected IOC President Kristy Coventry, speaking on India’s bid, was tight-lipped about the future in the selection process.

Pressed on whether India‘s bid could be taken to an “accelerated targeted dialogue” phase prior to incumbent IOC President Thomas Bach’s departure on June 23, Coventry said, “At the end of the day, there is a process in place, and that process is ongoing and will remain for the next few months.”

She went on to add, “I do think we should engage members in the process of selecting the next host, and I do have some ideas which I might be prepared to discuss, perhaps next week.”

Coventry will officially assume the role of IOC President from Bach on June 23, Olympic Day, after a three-month handover period.

Competition for Hosting the 2036 Olympics

India is one of over ten countries, which include Qatar and Saudi Arabia, that have signaled interest in bidding for the 2036 Games. Yet the number of bids on record remains unclear.

With the submission of the Letter of Intent, India has progressed from the Informal Dialogue stage to the Continuous Dialogue stage of host country selection. In this stage, the IOC undertakes a feasibility study of the envisaged projects that come with the Games in prospective host countries.

The next step, Targeted Dialogue, will involve India making a formal bid for the 2036 edition, which the Future Host Commission will consider. The host nation selection process will end with a formal vote.

When Will the 2036 Olympics Host Be Decided?

A final choice of the host nation for the 2036 Olympics is not expected until 2026. Therefore, India still has sufficient time to further strengthen its bid and effectively demonstrate its readiness.