India’s 2036 Olympics Bid: Ahmedabad Leads the Race to Host Summer Games
India has officially entered the race to host the 2036 Olympics, with Ahmedabad named as the proposed host city. On Tuesday, July 1, 2025, an Indian delegation met with International Olympic Committee (IOC) officials in Lausanne, Switzerland, to present Ahmedabad’s bid for the 2036 Summer Olympics and Paralympics. This marks a significant step toward bringing the world’s biggest sporting event to India for the first time.
The Indian delegation, which included representatives from the Union Sports Ministry, the Gujarat government, and Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha, formally presented Ahmedabad as India’s choice to host the 2036 Olympics. This meeting was the first official communication to the IOC about India’s selected host city. According to a press release quoted by The Indian Express, the discussions allowed India to share its vision for hosting the 2036 Summer Olympics in Ahmedabad while learning about the IOC’s requirements for the games.
Moreover, the delegation emphasized that hosting the 2036 Olympics in Ahmedabad would give Ascertain that every athlete feels like part of one big family, as the bid aligns with the Indian principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family). Gujarat Sports Minister Harsh Sanghavi expressed enthusiasm, saying, “We are eager to be a true partner to the IOC in the coming months of this process and, hopefully, in the years to come, as we work together to realize this shared ambition.”
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IOA President PT Usha highlighted the potential impact of the 2036 Olympics, stating, “The Olympic Games in India would not just be a great event, they would be one of generational impact for all Indians.” The bid focuses on giving 600 million young Indians the chance to experience the Olympics in their home country. Additionally, India’s plan involves showcasing its cultural unity by welcoming global participants as one family during the 2036 Summer Olympics.
Furthermore, India’s bid comes at a time when the IOC is reviewing its host selection process. The meeting in Lausanne happened shortly after new IOC President Kirsty Coventry announced a pause in the selection process. She noted that IOC members wanted more involvement in choosing future hosts, leading to the formation of a working group to review the process. Despite this pause, India’s delegation used the opportunity to strengthen its case for Ahmedabad as the host city for the Olympics.
India is not alone in its ambition to host the 2036 Olympics. Countries like Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Turkey, and Chile are also competing for the 2036 Summer Olympics and Paralympics. This makes the race highly competitive, as each nation brings its own strengths to the table. However, India’s growing economy, young population, and passion for sports make Ahmedabad a strong contender for the 2036 Summer Olympics.
Additionally, India’s bid builds on its experience hosting the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi. While that event faced challenges, it showed India’s ability to manage a major multi-sport event. Now, with Ahmedabad at the center of the 2036 Olympics plan, the government is investing heavily in sports infrastructure, including a new sports complex and an Olympic Village to ensure top facilities for athletes.
While Ahmedabad is the main hub for India’s 2036 Olympics bid, the government is exploring a multi-city approach. For example, hockey events could take place in Bhubaneswar, rowing in Bhopal, and canoeing in Pune. This strategy aims to make the Olympics a nationwide movement, showcasing India’s diverse regions and existing sports facilities.
India’s bid for the 2036 Olympics with Ahmedabad as the host city is a bold step toward achieving a historic milestone. The delegation’s meeting with the IOC marks the start of a long journey to secure hosting rights for the Olympics. With strong government support and a clear vision, Ahmedabad aims to make the Olympics a memorable event for India and the world.
