India has officially committed to hosting the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games, presenting a ‘Letter of Intent’ to the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) Future Host Commission. This milestone follows extensive informal conversations between Indian officials and the IOC, which culminated in the submission on October 1.
A sports minister said, “This monumental opportunity could usher in economic growth, social progress, and youth empowerment across India.” Last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed his administration’s strong desire to host the Olympics during a visit to New York in September. He remarked, “You will soon see the Olympics in India. “We are making every possible effort to host the 2036 Olympics.”
The country recently celebrated its success at the Paris Olympics, when Indian sportsmen earned six medals, including five bronzes and one silver.
With the ‘Letter of Intent,’ India moves on to the “Continuous Dialogue” phase, during which the IOC will conduct a feasibility assessment, examining factors such as human rights and sustainability. While the IOC will make its host decision after the 2025 elections, India faces competition from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey, all of which want to host the coveted event.
