At a morning practice session at the Olympic-level shooting range in Pune, Maharashtra, the atmosphere was vibrant with discussions about India’s strong determination to host the Summer Games in 2036.
Shahu Mane, a former World Cup champion in the 10-meter air pistol mixed event, expressed the significance of securing the Olympics as a monumental achievement. He emphasized the positive impact it would have on the country and the sport.
A recent visit by an Indian delegation to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) headquarters in Lausanne marked the official presentation of Ahmedabad as India’s potential host city for the 2036 Games. The final decision is expected to be announced in late 2027.
Despite challenges such as governance issues within the Indian Olympic Association and past low medal counts, the enthusiasm among athletes at Pune’s Gun for Glory Shooting Academy remains high. They believe India has a strong chance of successfully hosting the prestigious event, given its prowess in shooting disciplines.
The construction of multiple stadiums in Ahmedabad reflects India’s commitment to enhancing sports infrastructure to sway the IOC in its favor over competing bids from other countries. Additionally, the IOC is set to include a new Indian sponsor among its top-tier partners, reinforcing India’s serious Olympic aspirations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for hosting the 2036 Olympics aligns with his government’s focus on promoting sports for national pride and development. Initiatives like “Khelo India” aim to identify and support young athletes, with the goal of positioning India among the top medal-winning nations by 2036.
However, concerns raised by the IOC regarding doping issues, governance, and mismanagement within the Indian sports ecosystem highlight the challenges India must address to strengthen its bid. Despite these hurdles, there is optimism among athletes and officials about the transformative potential of hosting the Olympics in India.
While skepticism exists about the economic viability of hosting the Games in Ahmedabad, proponents believe in the potential benefits for the country’s youth, sports development, and national pride. The dream of participating in or witnessing an Olympics on home soil remains a powerful motivator for many in India’s sporting community.
