Context:

• This article is based on an Editorial “Olympian heights: On India’s efforts to organise the Olympics 2036 edition” which was published in the Hindu. Recently, the Indian Prime Minister has confirmed that India will bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games. 

Who is hosting the Olympics 2036?

• Prime minister Narendra Modi has confirmed the country’s interest to bid for the Olympics 2036 and Paralympic Games.
• The International Olympic Committee (IOC) session is being held in India for the first time since 1983, as per schedule from October 15-17, 2023. 
• The PM used his address at Saturday’s opening ceremony in Mumbai to stress India’s interest in hosting the multi-sport event in 13 years’ time, with Mexico, Poland, and  Indonesia among the expected candidates.
• “Indians are not just sports lovers, but we also live it,” PM said.
• India is enthusiastic about hosting the Olympics 2036.
• Seeking support to realize the dream, emphasizing a collective effort.
• Also, India Willing to host the 2029 Youth Olympics.
• I am sure India will get constant support from IOC,” PM said.

Significance to host the Olympics 2036

• To exhibit the Soft- Power: The Olympics has been used as a soft-power medium. 
  • Example: Post-World War Europe, post-apartheid South Africa and Brazil. 
• To create an Influencing Image: India wants to create a positive image after the scam-ridden 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games. 
• India’s Ambition and Preparedness: Though the ratification of the host city for Olympics 2036 will take time, however the move shows India’s global ambitions. 
  • India has consistently sought a seat at the high table like the United Nations Security Council or the G-20 Presidency. This opportunity to host the Olympics 2036 can give it an edge in a shifting world order.
• Sporting Achievements and Confidence: Sporting-wise, India wants to benefit from the recent motivation produced by the achievement of 107-medals at the recently concluded Asian Games. 
  • Since Abhinav Bindra won the nation’s first-ever individual Olympic gold at Beijing 2008, there have been positive performances at multi-disciplinary competitions. 

What are the challenges that need to be consider?

• Multi-Challenges: Conducting such a mega event presents a plethora of challenges like high costs of infrastructure development, security, risk of cost overruns, the environmental impact, Geopolitical tensions and ethical conduct of administrators. 
• High Cost and Budget Overrun: Costs are often prohibitive, as observed by the fierce public outcry during both Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020. 
  • In Tokyo, the financial burden was said to have $15.4 billion, more than double the initial estimate. 
  • Recently, Australia pulled out of hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games because of mounting expenditure and Canada withdrew a bid for the 2030 edition. 

Conclusion:

Like a coin, Olympics 2036 hosting will also present its two faces. To gain positively, there would be a need to avoid associated challenges, for which the International Olympic Committee (IOC) needs to move away from the one-size-fits-all solution and needs to ask potential organizers to present projects that best fit their economic, social and environmental realities.