India has strengthened its bid to host the 2036 Summer Olympics with a high-level delegation visiting the International Olympic Committee (IOC) headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland.
The visit is part of India’s ongoing campaign to showcase Gujarat as a viable and vibrant host for the world’s largest sporting event.
Led by Gujarat Sports Minister Harsh Sanghvi and Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha, the delegation included senior officials from Gujarat and the Sports Ministry. The three-day visit underscores India’s determination to maintain momentum for its Olympic ambitions, even as the IOC recently announced a “pause and review” of the host selection process.
“We had a productive discussion with the President of SportAccord, focusing on Gujarat’s capability to host major global events,” Sanghvi shared. Gujarat has been invited to host the next SportAccord conference—an opportunity to showcase its state-of-the-art infrastructure and hospitality.
Key meetings were also held with representatives from the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) and the International Volleyball Federation. These sessions explored collaborative opportunities and highlighted India’s commitment to elevating its global sports presence.
The bid, submitted officially in October 2023 with backing from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and IOC member Nita Ambani, positions Gujarat as the central stage. With memories of the successful 2010 Commonwealth Games and recent international tournaments, India hopes to present itself as a ready and capable host for 2036.
Despite IOC President Kirsty Coventry’s call for broader consultation and a review of the election process, India’s proactive approach signals its eagerness to be a serious contender. As Modi stated earlier, “Hosting the Olympics will take Indian sport to new heights. Wherever the Olympics happen, all sectors gain.”
With this visit to Lausanne, India isn’t just bidding to host a mega event—it’s crafting a bold statement of global sporting intent.
