India expresses intent to bid for 2036 Olympics and Paralympics
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has confirmed India’s aspirations to bid for the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
This announcement was made during the International Olympic Committee (IOC) session in Mumbai from October 15-17, marking the first time India has hosted this event since 1983.
In his address at the opening ceremony held in Mumbai, Modi emphasised India’s keen interest in hosting this prestigious multi-sport event in 13 years’ time. Poland, Indonesia and Mexico are among the other expected contenders for the honour.
“Indians are not just sports lovers, but we also live it,” Modi said.
“India is eager to host the Olympics in the country. India will leave no stone unturned in the preparation for the successful organisation of the Olympics in 2036 – this is the dream of the 140 crore [1.4 billion] Indians.
“We want to realise this dream with your support. We are [also] willing to host the 2029 Youth Olympics. I am sure India will get constant support from IOC.”
The hosts for the 2030 and 2034 Winter Olympics are expected to be confirmed at next year’s IOC Session in Paris, to be held on the eve of the Summer Games, as part of a double allocation.
During the ceremony, IOC President Thomas Bach commended India as an “inspiring place” and noted the growing significance of Olympic sports in the country. Bach also revealed that the IOC is exploring plans for the creation of Olympic Esports Games, building upon the success of the Olympic Virtual Series in 2021 and the Olympic Esports Week in Singapore earlier this year.
“This was a promising start – but it is just that: a start,” Bach said.
“It is like in any sport: after even a promising start, the real race still lies ahead.”
“We chose an approach that would allow us to be active in the esports space while staying true to our values that have guided us for over a century.
“With respect to esports, our values are and remain the red line that we will not cross. Our crystal-clear position is gaining more and more respect also in the esports community.”
IOC President Thomas Bach
In addition, the IOC approved the inclusion of cricket, squash, baseball/softball, lacrosse and flag football in the Olympic program for the Los Angeles Games in 2028. This marks the return of cricket to the Olympics after an absence 128 years, in the form of six-team men’s and women’s Twenty20 tournaments. Lacrosse returns as a medal sport after over a century, while baseball has previously featured in the Olympics. Flag football, a non-contact form of American football, and squash are included for the first time.
Bach expressed the importance of cricket’s inclusion:
“The Olympic Games will give cricket a global stage and the opportunity to grow beyond the traditional cricket countries and regions.
“And for the Olympic Movement, it’s the opportunity to engage with fan and athlete communities to which so far we have very little or even no access.”
Bach has received support from several IOC members for a potential extension of his presidency beyond 2025, which is the expiration of his current term. If extended, he would surpass the 12-year limit outlined in the Olympic Charter.
