India is actively pursuing a bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games in Ahmedabad. A high-level IOA and Gujarat government delegation met with the IOC in Lausanne for a productive dialogue, aligning with India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision and aiming to inspire youth, boost development, and embrace global unity.
India took a major step forward in its quest to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games, as a high-level delegation concluded a productive visit to Lausanne, Switzerland, the Olympic Capital. The Indian delegation engaged in the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) “Continuous Dialogue” process, signaling the nation’s deep commitment to bringing the world’s largest sporting event to Indian soil for the first time.
Led by Harsh Sanghavi, Minister of Sports, State of Gujarat, and Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha, the delegation included senior officials from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Gujarat government. The visit marked a pivotal point in India’s Olympic ambitions and its evolving engagement with the global Olympic Movement.
During the dialogue, Indian representatives presented Ahmedabad as the proposed host city, articulating a vision rooted in India’s broader developmental goals under the “Viksit Bharat 2047” initiative. This vision aims to align the potential hosting of the Olympics with national objectives in youth empowerment, innovation, economic growth, and global unity.
According to an official statement, Ahmedabad’s Olympic vision is anchored on three key pillars:
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Catalyst for Indian Sports: Hosting the Olympics would provide 600 million young Indians with their first opportunity to witness the Games on home soil, sparking inspiration and elevating national sports standards.
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Generational Impact: The Games are envisioned as a transformative event, driving socio-economic development, fostering innovation, promoting education, and instilling youth pride across the nation.
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Global Unity through Indian Philosophy: Embracing the ancient Indian principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (The world is one family), India promises a welcoming and unifying global Olympic experience.
Minister Harsh Sanghavi emphasized the state’s readiness and commitment to the Olympic cause, stating, “Gujarat, with its rich heritage and dynamic spirit, stands ready to contribute significantly to India’s progress. Hosting the Olympic Games would be a historic moment not only for the state but for the entire country. We are committed to this journey with the IOC and look forward to building a shared future.”
IOA President PT Usha echoed this optimism, stating, “India’s engagement with the Olympic Movement has reached a turning point. This moment goes far beyond sports; it reflects a commitment to peace, education, and cultural exchange through the Olympic spirit. Hosting the Olympics would be an event of generational impact for all Indians.”
The Continuous Dialogue process with the IOC is an initial, non-binding phase where countries express interest and explore the possibilities of hosting future Games. It is followed by the Targeted Dialogue phase, where the IOC Executive Board selects one or more “Preferred Hosts” for deeper discussions and evaluation.
India’s presentation during this dialogue allowed its delegation to better understand the expectations and vision of the IOC while also communicating India’s capacity and preparedness to deliver an Olympics that could meet global standards.
While India is among the most prominent contenders, the 2036 Olympic Games have attracted interest from multiple global cities. Official bids have been submitted by Nusantara (Indonesia), Istanbul (Turkey), and Santiago (Chile). Several other nations and cities—including Egypt, South Korea, Doha (Qatar), Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), and various cities in Italy and Denmark—have also expressed interest.
India’s bid, however, stands out not only because of its scale and population but also due to the integration of the Olympic vision into the country’s larger national strategy. With the world’s largest youth population and rapid urban development, especially in cities like Ahmedabad, the country is positioning itself as a compelling candidate for hosting the Games.
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As the process continues and India aims to move from the Continuous Dialogue phase into the Targeted Dialogue phase, the nation’s Olympic dream gains stronger momentum. The coming months will likely see increased cooperation between the IOC and Indian authorities as both sides explore how India’s vision aligns with the future of the Olympic Movement.
The prospect of hosting the Olympics in 2036 is more than a sporting ambition for India—it is a reflection of the country’s global aspirations, cultural inclusiveness, and determination to inspire generations through sport.
