New Delhi: India has never staged the Summer Olympic Games. But the country’s dream could come true in a decade and a half.
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has been, for some time, toying with the idea of making a bid for the prestigious quadrennial Games in the next decade. On Saturday, IOA president Narinder Batra said they are in talks with International Olympic Committee (IOC) for a possible bid by India to host the 2036 Games.
He also said that the Motera stadium, in Ahmedabad, is the best venue to stage the opening ceremony.
The Motera facility was redesigned and rebuilt into the world’s largest cricket stadium, and was renamed `Narendra Modi Stadium’ by Gujarat Cricket Association earlier this year.
“If someone asks me about the venue for the opening ceremony at present, then it is definitely going to be the Motera stadium. There is no stadium better suited to host the opening ceremony of the Olympics (in India). I can’t say what will happen by 2036…. (but) I will be proposing Ahmedabad as the venue for the opening ceremony,” Batra told mediapersons.
“When you say opening ceremony, it means that athletics will also be played (at the same venue). And athletics is the biggest event (at the Olympics),” Batra said.
The host cities for next three Olympics have been finalized – Paris (2024), Los Angeles (2028) and Brisbane (2032). So the earliest India can hope to get the mega event is 2036.
Batra said India’s chances of getting the 2036 Games are bright.
“If we talk about the 2036 Olympics, then yes, we are already talking to the International Olympic Committee. Being the president of IOA, my discussions with the IOC happen on the subject….2036 Olympics will be finalized in two-three years, and we are currently discussing with IOC,” he said.
Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (AUDA) recently invited proposals from consultants to conduct an assessment if the city’s infrastructure was adequate to host Olympics.
India is one of six or seven contenders for the 2036 Games, Batra informed.
As per the new bidding process adopted by IOC for selection of the host city, Batra said, “You have to show them three-four centres, because now you can do it at multiple places, then you will show them the venues, new as well as the existing, and what are their legacy use. Motera Stadium has a legacy.”
