Newly-sworn International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry has been reserved about India’s bid to stage the 2036 Olympics. Coventry, who made history as the first woman and the first African to head the IOC, said she would have her thoughts on the selection process in the coming days.
The 41-year-old ex-Olympic swimmer was voted in as the IOC president on Thursday, replacing Thomas Bach. She will take over officially on June 23, which is Olympic Day, following a transition period of three months.
India’s 2036 Olympics Bid: What’s Next?
At her first news conference as IOC President, Coventry was questioned if India’s bid could proceed to “accelerated targeted dialogue” before Bach’s term expires. She was, however, evasive.
“At the end of the day there is a process in place and that process is ongoing and that will remain, as far as I know, for the next few months,” Kirsty Coventry added.
She added, additionally, “I do think that we need to involve the members in the selection of future host and I have few ideas and may be willing to share those, may be next week.”
India’s Progress in the Host Selection Process
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has formally sent its ‘expression of interest’ to the IOC’s Future Host Commission. This is a major step ahead in India’s quest to host the Olympics after months of informal talks with the international sports body.
India has now moved from the stage of ‘Informal Dialogue’ to the stage of ‘Continuous Dialogue’ of the Olympic host bidding process. In this stage, the IOC evaluates the viability of the potential host countries and their capability to stage the Games.
The second phase, ‘Targeted Dialogue,’ would involve presenting a formal edition-specific bid followed by evaluation by the Future Host Commission. The last word on the 2036 host will be taken no sooner than 2026.
Battle for the 2036 Olympics
Over 10 nations, including Saudi Arabia and Qatar, have shown interest in hosting the 2036 Games. Yet, it is not known how many of these have officially come out with bids.
With the rivalry heating, India will keep pushing its claim ahead, watching closely how Coventry’s handling of the host selection process in the months ahead.
