India is pushing forward with its bid to host the 2036 Summer Olympics, and the preparations are gaining momentum. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) officially submitted a ‘Letter of Intent’ to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in October last year, reaffirming India’s ambition to bring the world’s biggest sporting event to the country.
Land Acquisition Underway in Ahmedabad
According to a report by the Times of India, the Gujarat government, led by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, has started acquiring land for building the Olympic Village and other sports facilities. A massive 650-acre area in Ahmedabad, near the Narendra Modi Stadium in Motera, has been identified for this purpose.
The report states that land from three ashrams—Sant Shree Asaram Ashram, Bhartiya Seva Samaj, and Sadashiv Pragya Mandal—is set to be acquired. This includes the ashram of Asaram, who is currently serving a jail sentence for rape. The government has assured that alternative land or compensation will be provided to the affected trusts.
Massive Budget Estimates for the Games
Hosting the Olympics is expected to be a costly affair. According to the report, India’s estimated expenditure for the 2036 Games could range between ₹34,700 crore and ₹64,000 crore. This surpasses the budget of the 2024 Paris Olympics, which cost around ₹32,765 crore.
The financial plan suggests that the event will take place across multiple cities, including Gujarat’s twin cities (Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar), as well as Bhopal, Goa, Mumbai, and Pune.
Competition from Other Nations
India is not the only country vying for the 2036 Olympics. Over 10 countries, including Qatar and Saudi Arabia, have shown interest in hosting the prestigious event. However, it remains unclear how many of them have officially submitted their bids.
With the Gujarat government actively working on infrastructure development, India’s dream of hosting the Olympics is taking concrete shape. The final decision now rests with the IOC.
