3 Reasons why India should not bid to host the 2032 Olympics

#2 Lack of public interest

Empty stands at the DY Patil Stadium, Mumbai during U-17 World Cup in 2017

The lack of public interest in most sports except a few mainstream sports like cricket, wrestling or shooting is a huge hindrance to a successful event. Selling out stadiums for sports like football or athletics is a huge challenge given the capacities of these stadiums.

Even after its recent popularity, football largely remains followed especially at the U-23 level. This issue is heightened by the fact that the hosting rights will be with Delhi or Mumbai which are clearly not the football heartlands of the country. Sports such as Baseball, Swimming, Weightlifting, Fencing and several others may find little interest from the Indian public.

With no crowds to channel the athletes, they may find it hard to seek motivation for higher performance levels, especially in sports like athletics where having a rapturous crowd behind or against you may prove a very positive motivator. Economically too, ticket sales are essential for fulfilling the budgetary constraints and to have any chances of breaking even.