A game plan for India’s success as 2036 Olympic host

A game plan for India’s success as 2036 Olympic host

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


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.

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

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.


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]


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]

  • 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.

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