Multiple cities proposed to host the 2036 Olympics in India; Ahmedabad to host maximum sports [Reports]

Modified Jan 09, 2025 19:49 IST

People Take Selfies With Olympic Rings At India Gate On The Eve Of 2020 Tokyo Olympics Opening Night - Source: Getty — Multiple cities proposed to host the 2036 Olympics in India; Ahmedabad to host maximum sports [Reports] - Source: Getty

India’s aspiration to host the 2036 Olympics is reportedly taking shape with an ambitious plan to make the event a nationwide spectacle. If successful, it would mark a historic first for the country, which has never hosted the Olympic Games. This would also be India's first multi-sport event since the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi.

According to a report by Indian Express, India has been in dialogue with the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) Future Hosts Commission, with a formal 'letter of intent' sent by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) in October last year. While the official host city is yet to be announced, Ahmedabad appears to be the focal point of the proposal for the 2036 Olympics. However, in line with the vision of a pan-India movement, several other cities may host key sporting events.

The city of Ahmedabad, particularly its burgeoning sports infrastructure, is reportedly central to India’s Olympic aspirations. A Rs 6,000 crore development plan is already underway, focusing on creating state-of-the-art facilities that could serve both the Olympics and long-term public recreation.

Key among these developments is the Naranpura Sports Complex, a facility spanning 20.39 acres, which is slated for completion by March. With an estimated cost of Rs 631.77 crore, it will house Olympic-standard swimming pools, basketball and volleyball courts, badminton arenas, and gymnastics halls.

Additionally, the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (SVP) Sports Enclave, adjacent to the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium, and the Karai Sports Hub are being positioned as pivotal Olympic hubs. The SVP will host aquatics, tennis, and other sports, while Karai will feature a 35,000-seat athletics stadium and shooting facilities within the Karai Police Academy. Both projects are expected to be completed by 2028, irrespective of the 2036 Olympics bid outcome.