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New Delhi/Mumbai/Ahmedabad: The International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) push for cost-effectiveness and sustainability has put Ahmedabad in India’s bid for the 2036 Olympics, despite few sports being able to be hosted in other cities. This is expected to be the key. Officials with knowledge of the matter said the possibility of hosting hockey in Bhubaneswar, canoeing and kayaking in Pune, equestrian and rowing in Bhopal and sailing in Chennai is being considered, but Gujarat remains at the forefront of India’s push to host the event. It will be front and center. Virgin Olympics.
“If India becomes a serious contender to host the Olympics, which is still a long way off, the heart of the Olympics will be in Ahmedabad,” said a senior official of the Gujarat State Olympic Association (GSOA). However, the official said India is pitching some existing venues to strengthen its position against stiff competition. “But it may just be on the pitch. Once there is more clarity and the venue taking shape in Ahmedabad, most sports will remain here,” the official added.
Another official involved in planning infrastructure projects in Ahmedabad said the city remains the “core” for attracting India. “But we can also look at existing sports infrastructure in other cities. For example, cricket can be held in multiple stadiums. Canoeing and kayaking can be enjoyed in Pune. However, the formal proposal is It has not been done,” the official added.
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Wednesday visited Bhubaneswar, visited Kalinga Stadium and held talks with Odisha Sports Minister Bhaskar Jyoti Sarma. In addition to hosting international hockey events, the 16,000-seater Kalinga Stadium has also hosted the last two Hockey World Cups in 2018 and 2023.
“Internal discussions have been going on for a while but nothing concrete yet. Certainly there is a possibility (Bhubaneswar hosting hockey at the 2036 Olympics), but all those decisions will be made by Delhi The decision will be made in the future,” another official said.
In the run-up to the Olympics, India will host a number of international events including the Asian Sailing Championships and the World Athletics Bronze Level Continental Tour later this year, as well as the U-20 Athletics World Championships in 2028 and the Youth Olympic Games in 2030. I am planning to run as a candidate. , 2026 BWF World Championship.
In addition to India, other countries including Qatar, Turkey, South Korea and Saudi Arabia are also in the race to host the 2036 Games. Seoul, which hosted the 1988 Games, has already conducted a feasibility assessment.
Admittedly, a bid committee to submit India’s case to the IOC is yet to be set up. An IOA official said, “There will be an IOC election in March (18th-21st), followed by a meeting with the IOC organizing committee.”
For the Paris Olympics, sailing was held in Marseille (about 3 hours by train from Paris) and surfing was held further afield in Tahiti.
For such sports, India will need to consider venues other than Ahmedabad. However, GSOA officials said the city’s Subramati riverfront could also be considered.
Work is understood to be underway in Ahmedabad on three ambitious infrastructure projects, whether or not India hosts the Olympics. While the Naranpura Sports Complex, a multipurpose facility spread over 20 acres, is scheduled to be completed in March, the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave around the Narendra Modi Stadium will take “a few more years”.
The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave has already undergone multiple inspections by authorities on important aspects such as fire evacuation. Under construction at an expected cost of INR600 billion and could be a venue for swimming and tennis. The Karai Sports Hub in Gandhinagar, which may host athletics and shooting events, is undergoing renovation work. INR1,200cr- INR150 billion.
