Syllabus
GS Paper 2 – Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
Context
In his Independence Day address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced India’s dream to host the 2036 Olympic Games.
Source
The Hindu| Editorial dated 31st August 2024
A game plan for India’s success as 2036 Olympic host
India has never hosted the Olympics before, and this ambition marks a significant step for the country, despite historical underperformance in global athletics and limited world-class infrastructure.
Olympics – History
Origins and Ancient Games
- Ancient Greece: The Olympic Games originated in ancient Greece, held every four years in Olympia.
- Religious Significance: They were initially religious festivals honoring Zeus, the king of the gods.
- Panhellenic Games: The Olympics were considered Panhellenic, meaning they were open to all Greek city-states.
Modern Revival
- Pierre de Coubertin: The modern Olympic Games were revived by Pierre de Coubertin, a French educator.
- 1896 Athens Games: The first modern Olympics were held in Athens, Greece, in 1896.
- Summer and Winter Games: The Games were later divided into Summer and Winter Olympics, held every four years.
Key Facts and Principles
- Olympic Charter: The Olympic Games are governed by the Olympic Charter, which outlines the principles and rules.
- Olympic Motto: The motto of the Olympics is “Citius, Altius, Fortius,” which means “Faster, Higher, Stronger.”
- Olympic Flag: The Olympic flag features five interlaced rings, representing the five continents.
- Olympic Flame: The Olympic flame symbolizes unity, peace, and sportsmanship.
International Olympic Committee (IOC)
- Governing Body: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is the governing body of the Olympic Games.
- Role: The IOC sets the rules, selects host cities, and oversees the organization of the Games.
- Members: The IOC is composed of members from various countries, representing different sports and cultures.
- Olympic Agenda 2020: The IOC has implemented Olympic Agenda 2020, a strategy to modernize the Olympic Movement.
Growing Sports Engagement in India
- India’s sporting prowess is increasing, with a growing respect for Indian sportspersons globally.
- Sports engagement is at an all-time high, driven by various government initiatives and increased public interest.
- Digital Platforms: Online streaming services, social media, and mobile apps have further enhanced accessibility and engagement.
- Hockey: India’s historical dominance in hockey has led to a resurgence of interest and support.
Selection Process for Hosting the Olympics
- Hosting the Olympics requires extensive preparation and significant investment in infrastructure and logistics.
- The International Olympic Committee (IOC) revamped its selection process after allegations of corruption related to previous games.
- The Future Host Commission (FHC) now handles bidding, focusing on integrity, feasibility, environmental concerns, and human rights standards.
- The IOC is expected to hold an election in 2026 to choose the host for the 2036 Games.
India’s Sports Development Initiatives
- India’s ambition to host the Olympics is backed by its efforts to improve the sports ecosystem through the National Sports Development Code and the Khelo India Scheme.
- The Khelo India Scheme, launched in 2017, aims at upgrading sports infrastructure, developing talent, and promoting sports and sports academies at the grassroots level.
- The Khelo India Rising Talent Identification programme focuses on identifying and nurturing talented young athletes.
- Sports Authority of India (SAI): The SAI has played a crucial role in promoting sports development and providing infrastructure and training facilities.
- National Sports Day: The celebration of National Sports Day on August 29 has helped raise awareness and inspire young athletes.
Role of States in Sports Development
- Sports is a state subject in India, meaning it is primarily managed at the state level under the Constitution.
- Tamil Nadu leads in terms of infrastructure, with plans to develop a Global Sports City near Chennai. The state also has a strong foundation in hosting beach sports and other international events.
- Other states like Delhi and Odisha also have significant sports infrastructure and have hosted major international sporting events, contributing to India’s overall sports capability.
Planning and Infrastructure for the Olympics
- Hosting the Olympics requires substantial investment in sporting infrastructure. However, leveraging existing facilities can help reduce costs.
- States like Tamil Nadu, Delhi, and Odisha have already invested in building Olympic-standard facilities, positioning India as a potentially cost-efficient and eco-friendly host for the 2036 Games.
- India’s Olympic bid must be a collaborative and cooperative effort, requiring support across political and territorial lines.
- A multi-stakeholder committee involving states and various sectors should be formed to plan and present a strong bid.
- Leveraging the expertise of states with existing infrastructure is crucial for advancing India’s chances of winning the bid.
Conclusion
India’s dream of hosting the 2036 Olympics is ambitious but achievable with a nationally coordinated effort. The country must utilize its growing sports prowess and existing infrastructure to present a compelling case to the IOC, ensuring the bid is in the best national interest and truly represents India’s potential.
Related PYQ
An athlete participates in Olympics for personal triumph and nation’s glory; victors are showered with cash incentives by various agencies, on their return. Discuss the merit of state sponsored talent hunt and its cultivation as against the rationale of a reward mechanism as encouragement. [ UPSC Civil Services Exam – Mains 2016]
Practice Question
India’s aspiration to host the 2036 Olympic Games presents both challenges and opportunities for the country’s sporting infrastructure and international standing. Comment [150 words]
Guidelines to Answer
- Introduction
- Briefly introduce India’s announcement to bid for hosting the 2036 Olympic Games.
- Mention the significance of this ambition in terms of India’s global sporting aspirations and its potential impact on the country’s international standing.
- Potential Benefits of Hosting the Olympics
- Challenges in Hosting the Olympics
- Conclusion
- Summarize the potential of hosting the Olympics to transform India’s sports landscape.
- Reiterate the importance of strategic planning, financial prudence, and collaborative efforts to turn India’s Olympic dream into a reality.