A game plan for India’s success as 2036 Olympic host

A game plan for India’s success as 2036 Olympic host

Context

Recently, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his Independence Day address, announced India’s ambition to host the 2036 Olympic Games.

Relevance:

GS-02 (Government Policies & Interventions, Sports)

 

Dimensions of the Article

• India’s Success as the 2036 Olympic Host: Can It Happen?
• How Does the Election Happen?
• Challenges for the Event
• Significance for India

 

India’s Success as the 2036 Olympic Host: Can It Happen?

• India’s aspiration to host Olympics began long back in 2010 when it successfully hosted the Commonwealth Games. This prompted the government to introduce National Sports Development Code which ought to bring reforms in sports governance.
• Khelo India Scheme was also launched in 2017 to nurture talent from the grassroots level.
• However, hosting an event like Olympics requires years of meticulous planning, investment and collaboration.
• Given that International Olympic Committee (IOC) has completely revamped the selection process of the host to avoid past controversies and corruption, such as those witnessed during the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Games, India will have to convince the IOC, showing its capability to handle the event.
• The IOC’s Future Host Commission (FHC)- a specialized body that assesses potential host cities evaluates the cities on various factors such as environmental concerns, human rights standards, and feasibility.
• This entire process is expected to culminate in 2026, with IOC members voting to select the host for the 2036 Games.

 

How Does the Election Happen?

• The Future Host Commission (FHC) is oversees the election process.
• It conducts confidential dialogues with cities that express interest in hosting the Games.
• It checks the overall preparedness of the city under various parameter which includes environmental studies, feasibility assessments, human rights concerns, etc.,
• Following these evaluations, the IOC organizes a final election, where its members vote to decide the host city.
• For the 2036 Games, this election is expected to be held around 2026.

 

Challenges for the Event

• Infrastructure Development: The cost of building athlete villages, transportation networks, and other amenities will incur a huge amount. And with the huge gap in infrastructure development in the country, it is crucial to take act fast. Recent Paris Olympics, sets an example by reducing the setting up cost by utilizing its existing resources.
• Political and Administrative Coordination:  A multi-stakeholder, representative committee with central and state governments, sports bodies, and private entities, must be formed to plan and execute efficiently. Above all, having many states and union territories involved, maintaining harmony must be the main goal.
• Economic and Social Implications: Since hosting an event like Olympics is a costly affair, the cost that the economy pays and the scar it would leave if not planned properly must be rightly checked. To start with, the Government should focus on balancing investments with long-term gains to ensure financial prudence.
• The Opportunity Cost involved: There are concerns about whether the necessary funds could be better spent on grassroots sports development, healthcare, or education.

 

Significance for India

• Global Recognition and Soft Power: Successfully hosting the Olympics would help in projecting India’s soft power and foster a sense of national pride and unity.
• Boost to Infrastructure and Economy: The infrastructure developed could serve as long-term benefits for cities. It will improve transport, accommodation, and sports facilities in the country. This could also lead to increased tourism and job creation which will eventually boost the economy.
• Promotion of Sports Culture: The Olympics would likely inspire a new generation of athletes and encourage sports culture across the country that aligns with initiatives like the Khelo India program.
• Encouraging Regional Development: By leveraging states like Tamil Nadu, Delhi, and Odisha, which already have substantial sports infrastructure, the government can promote balanced regional development. This approach could reduce costs, promote eco-friendly practices, and enhance cooperation among states.

 

Conclusion

The journey to the 2036 Olympics will be a marathon, not a sprint. The country and the stakeholders involved needs to know that its not just about the creation of worldclass infrastructure alone but also about proper planning, financial prudence and the coordination amongst themselves. By addressing its challenges and leveraging its strength, India can portray itself as the host of the 2036 Olympics.