India to host 2036 Olympics and Paralympics? Indian Olympic Association writes to International Olympic Committee expressing interest

NEW DELHI: The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has formally written to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) expressing its interest in hosting the 2036 Olympics and Paralympics. The Indian Olympic Association's move is in the special interest of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to bring the Olympics to India. The letter was written earlier last month. The International Olympic Committee has been informed of the plan to hold the Olympics with Ahmedabad as the main venue.

The future venues of the Olympics will be decided by the Future Host Commission of the IOC. The appropriate venue for the 2036 Olympics will be decided through a draw of lots in the IOC meeting to be held in 2029 from the countries that have expressed interest. As many as 10 countries, including India, have already expressed interest in hosting the Olympics. Mexico, Indonesia, Turkey, Poland, Egypt and South Korea are the major challengers for India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has previously emphasised the importance of Olympics for India. On Independence Day, Modi had asked the athletes for their inputs in preparations of hosting the once in four year's Global sports meet.

"India is preparing to host the 2036 Olympics. In this regard, the input from athletes who have played in previous Olympics is very important. You all must have observed and experienced many things. We want to document this and share it with the government so that we don’t miss out on any small details in the preparation for 2036," Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said.