At an early morning training session at the Olympic-standard shooting range in Pune, Maharashtra, India is making efforts to secure the Summer Games in 2036. Shahu Mane, a former World Cup champion in the 10-meter air pistol mixed event, expressed the significance of hosting the Olympics as a remarkable opportunity for the country. Mane, a former Youth Olympic Games silver medallist, highlighted the government’s commitment to bolstering the sports infrastructure, anticipating a positive impact on both the nation and the sport.
To support its bid, an Indian delegation visited the International Olympic Committee (IOC) headquarters in Lausanne in July to propose Ahmedabad, the largest city in Gujarat, as the host city for the 2036 Games. While the final decision is expected by late 2027, Indian officials had been actively engaged in preparing for the bid, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasizing the goal of hosting the Olympics in 2036 during a national address in 2024.
Despite India’s aspirations, challenges remain, including concerns regarding governance issues within the Olympic Association and past low medal counts at international events. However, athletes at the Gun for Glory Shooting Academy in Pune, specializing in air pistols and rifles, are optimistic about India’s prospects to host a successful Olympics in 2036, given the country’s excellence in shooting disciplines.
Sixteen-year-old Shrisha Patil, a budding shooter, expressed pride in the possibility of international athletes competing in India and drew inspiration from Indian shooters’ success at the recent Summer Games. The construction boom in Ahmedabad, evident in the development of sports complexes and stadiums, further underscores India’s determination to sway the IOC in its favor against competing bids from other countries.
Prime Minister Modi’s vision of using sports to enhance national pride and development has been reflected in initiatives like “Khelo India” to support young athletes across the country. However, the IOC has raised concerns about India’s doping issues and governance challenges, urging the Indian Olympic Association to address these issues to strengthen its bid.
While India’s history with major sports events has been marred by controversies, the country’s bid for the 2036 Olympics symbolizes a significant milestone in its sporting journey. Despite skepticism from experts, the potential benefits of hosting the Olympics in India, such as inspiring young athletes and boosting national recognition, continue to fuel the dreams of athletes like Shreya Agrawal, who envisions winning a medal for her country on the grandest stage of all.