India Announces Bid to Host 2036 Olympics Despite IOC Warning on Excluding Athletes for Political Reasons
India has officially announced its bid to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing the nation’s long-standing dream to hold the prestigious event. However, this comes with a warning from the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which cautions against excluding athletes for political reasons due to the growing politicisation of sport.
IOC member Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic raised concerns about the rising politicisation of sport during a meeting with global sports leaders, emphasizing that countries seeking to host the Olympic Games should not use political reasons to prevent athletes from participating. The IOC stresses that any infringement of the Olympic Charter could jeopardize a country’s chances of hosting the Games.
While Poland and Indonesia have also expressed interest in hosting the 2036 Olympics, their political stances have come under scrutiny. Poland’s refusal to allow Russian athletes to compete in the European Games and Indonesia’s decision to renounce hosting the men’s Under-20 World Cup because of the Israeli team’s participation have raised red flags regarding political interference in international sporting events.
In light of these concerns, Grabar-Kitarovic, who chairs the IOC panel responsible for liaising with potential bidders, calls for all interested parties and preferred hosts to commit to abiding by the IOC’s code of ethics and rules of conduct. It is crucial that countries demonstrate their respect for fair play, inclusivity, and the spirit of the Olympics when vying for the opportunity to host the Games.
As India makes its bid, Prime Minister Modi vows to spare no effort in ensuring the successful organization of the 2036 Olympics. With its massive population and love for sports, India aspires to turn its dream into reality, gaining the support of the IOC in the process.
Though the official host city or region was not specified, Ahmedabad, boasting the world’s largest stadium, seems a likely candidate. The Narendra Modi Stadium, named after the Indian Prime Minister, has a capacity of 132,000 and could serve as the central hub for the country’s bid.
The decision for the host of the 2036 Olympics will be made around 2026 or 2027 through a new process that avoids public campaigns and allows for exclusive negotiations between potential hosts and the IOC. Grabar-Kitarovic reveals that there are already double-digit numbers of interested parties, although it is unclear if this includes bids for both the Summer and Winter Games.
It is also worth noting that Grabar-Kitarovic suggests this decision should be made under new IOC leadership. Currently, IOC President Thomas Bach’s term limit expires in 2025. Some IOC members have raised the possibility of extending Bach’s presidency until 2029, which would require a rule change likely to be discussed in July before the 2024 Paris Games.
While India’s bid to host the 2036 Olympics reveals their ambition and passion for sports, it is essential for the country, as well as other potential hosts, to ensure their commitment to fair and inclusive competition. The IOC’s warning against political exclusion serves as a reminder of the Olympic spirit and the need to uphold the ideals of unity and fair play in the world of sports. Only by adhering to these principles can countries hope to achieve their Olympic dreams.
