Setting the Stage: India’s Formal Bid
On October 1, 2024, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) formally submitted a Letter of Intent (LoI) to the International Olympic Committee’s Future Host Commission, for the 2036 Summer Olympics and Paralympics
The IOC publicly welcomed India’s interest, acknowledging the country’s large population, sporting potential, and governmental support—while noting lingering internal issues within the IOA
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier confirmed the national ambition in October 2023, calling the Games a dream of 140 crore Indians.
Why Ahmedabad—or Multi‑City India?
Ahmedabad, Gujarat, emerged as the likely hub: the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave, a 236-acre Olympic-scale infrastructure in development, is a central part of the plan.
A broader multi‑city model is also under consideration—including hubs in Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Goa, and Agra—for different sports disciplines.
Building Momentum via Major Sporting Events
As a strategic step, India is bidding for the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad, using it as a rehearsal for the Olympics bid.
India is also actively bidding for several other international events to showcase its capability and readiness.
Rising Costs and Risk Realities
Independent research shows that Olympic Games nearly always exceed budget—by 100–200 percent or more—with typical costs in excess of $10 billion.
India's own estimated budget runs to ₹64,000 crore (~US $7.5 billion), which is already more expensive than LA 2028.
Public Debate: Ambition vs. Pragmatism
Reddit contributors reflect deep skepticism, citing past missteps in Delhi (CWG 2010), potential cost escalation, and fears of idle “white-elephant” stadiums post-event.
There's also strong support for a multi-city hosting model, which could distribute infrastructure and economic benefits across states, while reducing urban congestion in any single city.
Many argue the focus should first be on improving medal performance and grassroots sports systems before taking on hosting such a complex event
Governance, Politics & Structural Challenges
India's progress is slowed by ongoing IOA governance issues and infighting, raising concerns about its coherence as a bid partner.
There’s also public pushback over sustainability, inclusive development, and land acquisition controversies associated with infrastructure expansion.
Pause in the Process
India’s Path Forward: Can the Dream Materialize?
Advantages
Strong political will and national pride behind the bid—committed at the highest levels.
Active investments in international bid events and sports infrastructure development across cities.
Landmark projects like the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave reflect long-term vision.
Roadblocks
Historic IOC data shows host cities routinely suffer massive budget overruns and legacy underperformance.
Comparatively weak Olympic performance so far: India has just 41 medals across Summer Games to date.
IOA governance instability and local disputes hamper cohesion.
Public reaction highlights that current civic issues—such as urban planning, housing, water and seasonal monsoons—must be addressed before embarking on mega-events.
Conclusion
India’s bid for the 2036 Olympic Games, centered on Ahmedabad or a multi‑city model, is a bold, long‑term ambition backed by major infrastructure investments and international event bids. But the road is neither easy nor assured. Past mega‑event experiences and structural hurdles—cost overruns, governance issues, public skepticism, and sustainability concerns—pose serious challenges.
If India succeeds, it could become only the fourth Asian nation to host the Summer Olympics. But turning this dream into reality demands not just stadiums, but systemic reforms, improved athletic performance, robust planning, and broad-based public trust.
