India has officially announced its intention to bid for the 2036 Olympic Games, with Ahmedabad put forward as the proposed host city. This ambitious goal, while inspiring to many, faces considerable challenges. Despite its economic strength as the world’s fourth-largest economy by GDP, India’s performance at the Olympics has historically been modest, even with its long-standing participation in the modern Games since 1920.
India’s Olympic History: A Need for Improvement
To date, India has secured a total of 41 Olympic medals: 10 gold, 10 silver, and 21 bronze. The men’s hockey team has contributed significantly, claiming eight of the gold medals. The remaining two individual golds were won by Abhinav Bindra and Neeraj Chopra. In the most recent Games held in Paris, India finished in 71st position, with a haul of just one silver and five bronze medals.
For a host nation, this level of performance is simply not good enough. Improving India’s medal tally is a primary concern for those spearheading the bid over the next few years. This includes the President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), legendary athlete PT Usha. Usha led a delegation to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, to formally declare India’s intention to bid and receive guidance on what steps are needed to become a strong contender for the 2036 Games.
Challenges and the Path Forward
While India’s influence in sectors such as industry, IT, and healthcare is undeniable, its image in the global sports arena is still largely defined by cricket and the past glories of its hockey team. India has experience hosting large-scale sporting events, including the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi and two editions of the Asian Games (1951 and 1982). However, the Olympics are on an entirely different scale.
PT Usha expressed her enthusiasm for the bid, stating that the IOA had thoroughly discussed the necessary steps to strengthen their candidacy. She also noted that plans are already underway to address these requirements.
A significant challenge is elevating India’s position in the medals table. Usha believes that placing India among the top 10 nations within the next decade is crucial to creating a lasting legacy. This goal requires a concerted effort to improve athlete performance across various sports. The IOA is collaborating with the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (MYAS) to convert fourth-place finishes into medal-winning performances and secure more gold medals at the Olympic Games.
Usha emphasised the impact of even a single gold medal on India’s overall ranking, but stressed that the ambition is to win many more and achieve a top-10 position.
The Importance of a Comprehensive Approach
Pullela Gopichand, Chief Coach of the Indian National Badminton Team, offered a realistic perspective, pointing out that developed nations begin Olympic preparations far in advance. He stressed that improving performance is paramount, as other issues can be addressed in due course. Gopichand highlighted the fact that India’s medal count in Paris was the same as in London 2012, indicating a need for significant improvement.
However, Gopichand also acknowledged positive changes in the Indian sporting landscape. He cited initiatives like the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), which supports elite athletes with training and exposure, and the Khelo India programme, which promotes sports at the grassroots level.
Addressing Doping Concerns and Hosting Future Events
Anju Bobby George, Vice President of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI), revealed that India is also considering bids for the Youth Olympics and the World Athletics Championships in the coming decade.
George addressed concerns about the rising number of doping cases among Indian athletes. She explained that the large population leads to a higher number of tests. She also noted that young athletes sometimes see sporting success as a way out of poverty, making them vulnerable to mistakes. The AFI is planning to work with National Sports Federations (NSFs) and India’s National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) to strengthen monitoring, increase random testing, and enhance education for athletes.
A Competitive Landscape
With IOC President Kirsty Coventry pausing the decision on the 2036 host for a few years, the race to host the Games has become increasingly competitive. Qatar, having hosted the 2022 FIFA World Cup, has already announced its intention to bid, and other countries such as Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Indonesia are also in contention. This contrasts sharply with previous situations where the IOC struggled to find interested hosts.
Despite the challenges, India appears determined to pursue its Olympic dream. The country’s commitment to improving its sporting infrastructure, addressing doping concerns, and fostering a culture of athletic excellence suggests that it is a serious contender for the 2036 Olympic Games.