India Prepares for 2036 Olympics in Gujarat: PM Modi Signals Ambitious Bid

In a momentous announcement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed India’s aspiration to host the Olympic Games in 2036 during the historic International Olympic Committee (IOC) session held in Mumbai. PM Modi, addressing IOC leaders, emphasized the dream of 1.4 billion Indians to witness their country host the prestigious Olympics. While he did not specify the candidate city, Ahmedabad is the apparent frontrunner. Additionally, India is eager to host the 2029 Youth Olympic Games as a rehearsal for the 2036 Summer Olympics. Notably, Paris, Los Angeles, and Brisbane are set to host the Olympics in 2024, 2028, and 2032, respectively.

Competing against Poland, Mexico, and Indonesia for the 2036 Olympics hosting rights, India awaits the IOC’s decision in three years. Meanwhile, the state of Gujarat has been vigorously preparing to equip itself for this global sporting spectacle.

The Gujarat government, with the Center’s approval, has identified four potential construction sites around Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar. They have established the Gujarat Olympics Planning and Infrastructure Corporation Limited to oversee the preparations. The Sardar Patel Sports Enclave in Ahmedabad, home to the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, is buzzing with activity and is expected to be a central part of the Olympic region.

A list of 33 potential sports hubs across the state, including Shivrajpur, the iconic Statue of Unity, and Surat’s sea expanse, has been curated. The establishment of a specialized entity dedicated to the Olympics is a pivotal aspect of the grand plan, including the proposed Olympic Village near the Narendra Modi Stadium. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is spearheading the preparations, actively involving the Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority and the Gandhinagar Urban Development Authority.

Re-reported from the article originally published in The India Today