The Olympic Games are the most prestigious events in the world of sports that take place every four years, where over 200 National Olympic Committees participate, including the Refugee Olympic team.
So far, since the games began in Athens, Greece in 1896, India has never had an opportunity to host any edition — it has hosted the 1951 and 1982 Asian Games and the 2010 Commonwealth Games.
However, India has now shown some strong interest in hosting the mega event in 2036, with Ahmedabad likely to be the frontrunner city.
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As they emerge as strong contenders to get the rights of the event after their formal bid back in August 2024, India's Ministry of Sports have shown confidence in this being a pivotal moment for the nation's sports.
See what the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports had to say about India's bid.
"India hosting the 2036 Olympics is a win-win": Minister Raksha Khadse
Adding to the Olympic 2036, India are also one of the strong contenders of the Commonwealth Games in 2030, and while ridiculing the criticism where people have asked for them to become strong medal contenders before hosting such an event, the minister feels it would help in creating a sporting culture in India.
"Preparing to host events like the 2036 Olympics or the 2030 Commonwealth Games is about creating world-class infrastructure, economic investment, and legacy systems that directly benefit athlete development."
"Sports is also a way to deal with so many issues, such as depression and even drug addiction. Keeping all this in mind, when you bring an event like the Olympics to the country, it becomes a galvanizing force even socially. It creates a fitness movement of its own and enhances the output of a nation. It’s a win-win for all," she emphasized.
How did India perform in the 2024 Paris Olympics?
India finished the 2024 games with 6 medals, which included 1 silver and 5 bronze. Double bronze medalist Manu Bhaker and Neeraj Chopra were among the star performers in the event.
Aman Sehrawat, Swapnil Kusale, Indian Hockey Team were the other medalists. Sarabjot Singh was Manu's partner in the Mixed 10 m air pistol event.
So far, India's best ever medal tally came in Tokyo 2020 where they clinched 7 medals (1G, 2S, 4B). Neeraj Chopra was the sole Gold Medalist for India — the first since Abhinav Bindra in 2008 Beijing.