In a bold declaration that sets a new horizon for Indian sports, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah has announced the nation's ambitious plan to host the Olympic Games in 2036. The proposed venue for this mega global event is the western state of Gujarat. This announcement comes on the heels of India's confirmed hosting duties for the 2030 Commonwealth Games.
From Commonwealth to the Olympic Dream
Jay Shah, who also serves as the president of the Asian Cricket Council, revealed this strategic vision during a recent public address. He emphasized that the successful organization of the Commonwealth Games in 2030 will serve as a crucial stepping stone and a proving ground for the larger Olympic project. The experience and infrastructure developed for the Commonwealth event are expected to form a solid foundation for the Olympic bid.
"After the Commonwealth Games in 2030, we will aim for the Olympics in 2036, which will be held in Gujarat," Shah stated, outlining a clear and sequential roadmap for India's ascent as a global sporting host. This move signifies a long-term commitment from sports administrators to position India at the pinnacle of international sports management.
Gujarat's Readiness and Legacy
The choice of Gujarat as the proposed host state is not incidental. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who served as the state's Chief Minister for over a decade, Gujarat has witnessed significant development in infrastructure and has built a strong reputation for organizing large-scale events efficiently.
The state already boasts world-class facilities like the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the largest cricket stadium in the world, and has successfully hosted major events such as the 2011 Cricket World Cup matches, the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup, and various national games. The proposed Olympics would leverage and further expand this existing infrastructure, creating a lasting legacy for sports in the region.
A Transformative Vision for Indian Sports
Hosting the Olympic Games is considered the ultimate accolade for any sporting nation. For India, a successful bid for the 2036 Olympics would represent a transformative moment. It would accelerate sports infrastructure development across the country, inspire a generation of athletes, and place India firmly on the global map as a sporting superpower and an organizational hub.
The journey, however, is a meticulous one. An official bid must be submitted to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which involves a detailed proposal covering venues, accommodation, transport, security, and financing. The bid will face stiff competition from other candidate cities around the world. The final decision rests with the IOC members, who vote to select the host city, usually seven years before the Games.
Jay Shah's announcement is a powerful statement of intent. It signals to the world that India is ready to think big and invest in the future of global sports. The focus will now shift to detailed planning, international lobbying, and ensuring the 2030 Commonwealth Games are an unparalleled success to build credibility for the Olympic dream.
