India’s 2036 Olympics bid: India’s aspiration to host the 2036 Summer Olympics is being hailed as a historic milestone, marking the nation’s entry into the league of global sporting powers. With Ahmedabad mapped as the proposed host city and major investments underway in the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave, this vision is propelled by patriotism and a desire for global recognition.
Hosting the Olympics offers India a rare chance to project its soft power and leadership within the Global South. Yet, behind this inspiring ambition lies a complex set of governance, economic, and environmental challenges. Unless the plan is rooted in reform and inclusivity, the dream could degenerate into an expensive spectacle rather than a catalyst for national progress.
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2036 Olympics bid: Strategic vision and soft power
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s formal announcement of the Olympic bid at the 2023 IOC Session was not merely symbolic. It represented India’s quest to translate its geopolitical confidence into cultural and sporting influence.
The Games can amplify India’s global brand, much like Beijing 2008 redefined China’s image. But soft power cannot substitute for structural readiness. To succeed, India must demonstrate not just enthusiasm, but institutional competence — the ability to deliver on time, within budget, and without social cost.
Infrastructure and urban planning
India’s sports ecosystem has grown through initiatives like Khelo India, Target Olympic Podium Scheme, and the Sports Authority of India, yet capacity gaps persist. Fewer than 10% of India’s 15,800 sports facilities meet Olympic standards. Ahmedabad’s transformation into a world-class host city will require more than stadiums — it will need efficient public transport, housing, waste management, and reliable power.
Global experiences from Barcelona 1992 and London 2012 show that successful Olympic cities used the Games to drive long-term urban renewal, not one-time construction. India must emulate that model.
Governance and institutional reform
Over 60% of India’s sports federations remain under political control, often lacking professional management and transparency. To avoid the pitfalls of Commonwealth Games 2010, India must establish an Olympic Governance Authority — an independent statutory body with representation from civil society, athletes, economists, and urban planners.
Its responsibilities should include budget audits, environmental clearances, social impact assessments, and legacy planning. Good governance, not grand rhetoric, will determine whether the Games become a symbol of efficiency or excess.
Economic viability and funding model
Hosting the Olympics can generate jobs, attract investment, and boost tourism. Yet, it can also burden public finances for decades. Studies show that Olympic cost overruns have averaged 172% since 1960. India must avoid repeating Montreal’s billion-dollar debt or Rio’s urban dislocation. The solution lies in public-private partnerships (PPPs) and transparent Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) that share financial risk.
London’s hybrid model and Los Angeles 2028’s privately led approach offer workable templates. India should pair fiscal discipline with a tourism strategy linking Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra to maximise regional spillovers.
Environmental and climate sustainability
A crucial gap in India’s Olympic bid discourse is environmental readiness. The IOC now mandates carbon-neutral Games, and Ahmedabad’s vulnerability to heatwaves and water stress makes sustainability non-negotiable. India must adopt green building codes, renewable-powered venues, and circular waste management systems.
With the right planning, the 2036 Olympics could showcase India’s green leadership, aligning with national climate goals under COP30 and the National Green Hydrogen Mission. Without such foresight, the Games could deepen ecological strain in one of the country’s hottest urban zones.
Social inclusion and public participation
Mega-events risk excluding the very citizens they claim to uplift. The Commonwealth Games experience saw slum evictions and concentrated urban spending. India cannot afford to repeat that mistake.
The Olympic planning process must integrate social impact assessments and citizen consultations.
Public participation, community ownership, and protection of informal workers should be built into every stage. Only through inclusion can the Games inspire genuine national pride rather than resentment.
Digital infrastructure and technology readiness
The 2036 Olympics will be among the most technologically advanced in history. India’s strength in digital payments, AI, and cybersecurity can give it a distinct edge. A “Digital Olympics” could use 5G-enabled crowd management, smart ticketing, drone-based security, and real-time logistics platforms.
These innovations would not only ensure seamless operations but also reinforce India’s reputation as a digital innovation hub. Partnerships with Indian startups and IT majors could create exportable tech models for future global events.
Sports culture and long-term legacy
Beyond the event lies the question of legacy. The Games must build a sports culture, not just infrastructure. Integrating the Olympic agenda with NEP 2020 and the Fit India Mission can create a generation of healthier, more active youth. Sports education, rural training academies, and gender inclusion programs can ensure that Olympic investments reach every stratum of society.
India’s true success will be measured not by the Games fortnight but by what happens after — when stadiums remain active, and children across the country dream of competing in them.
India’s Olympic dream is a powerful statement of ambition. Yet ambition must be matched with discipline, inclusion, and foresight.
The 2036 Olympics bid should not be a race for prestige but a benchmark in governance and sustainability. If India couples its vision with fiscal prudence, technological innovation, and civic participation, the Games could indeed transform the nation’s sporting landscape. But without these reforms, the risk of debt, displacement, and disillusionment remains high.
The verdict is clear: India should pursue the Olympic dream — but only through hard governance reforms, environmental stewardship, and a lasting social legacy. That is the difference between a moment of glory and a model of growth.
Gourav Kumar is a doctoral student of Karnavati University, Gandhinagar. Dr Malay Patel is Associate Professor, Unitedworld Institute of Design, Karnavati University, Gandhinagar. Dr Prashant Pareek is Associate Professor, Shanti Business School, Ahmedabad.