2036 Olympics: Minister of State for Sports Raksha Khadse asserted that India’s bid to host the 2036 Olympics goes beyond making an international statement. She said the effort is part of a strategic plan to develop world-class infrastructure, boost the economy, and address critical social challenges facing the country’s youth.

Khadse, a three-time Lok Sabha MP from Maharashtra’s Raver constituency and the youngest to hold the sports portfolio, dismissed claims that India should first focus on becoming a sporting powerhouse before pursuing an event as costly as the Olympics. “Preparing to host the 2036 Olympics or the 2030 Commonwealth Games is about creating global-standard infrastructure, driving economic investment, and establishing legacy systems that directly support athlete development,” she explained during a conversation in her office.

She also emphasized sports as a powerful tool for social change. “Sports can help address issues like drug addiction and depression. Hosting an event like the Olympics acts as a social catalyst, it improves national productivity and jumpstarts a fitness movement,” she said, adding, “Everyone benefits.” Khadse credited Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya for supporting the broader vision and underscoring the long-term impact of hosting such global events in India.

Indian Olympic Association:

After submitting its letter of intent last year, India will accelerate its bid to host the Olympic Games next month. A delegation comprising representatives from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and the Ministry of Sports will travel to Lausanne to hold talks with the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

“We will undoubtedly make a statement by hosting the Olympics,” said Minister of State for Sports Raksha Khadse. “It signals that the nation has reached a stage of development, and more importantly, it inspires the youth to step up as nation-builders,” Khadse emphasized that India can simultaneously pursue global sporting ambitions and domestic athletic development. She cited the upcoming World Para-Athletics Championships in Delhi as an example. The event prompted the renovation of the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium with a cutting-edge MondoTrack, currently the most advanced track surface in the world.

As the youngest minister to hold the sports portfolio and only the second woman to do so, Khadse pledged that the government would ensure a strong return on investment. “Every rupee spent will have a long-term multiplier impact,” she assured. She also noted the rising costs of hosting the Olympics. The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris are projected to cost over USD 9 billion, while Los Angeles is expected to spend more than USD 7 billion on the 2028 Games. In many cases, final expenditures far exceed initial estimates, with the 2016 Rio Olympics topping the list at USD 23.6 billion.

Also Read: Beta CX300: India’s First Passenger E-Plane, Just ₹700 a Ride

National Sports Federations:

India’s ambitious bid to host the 2036 Olympics requires a unified administrative structure, but frequent turf wars and rivalries within the National Sports Federations (NSFs) have often triggered legal disputes, ultimately harming athletes’ prospects. Minister of State for Sports Raksha Khadse said the ministry is working to strengthen accountability while preserving the autonomy of sports administrators to address this issue. “Athletes must remain the central focus, and their development should take priority over politics,” Khadse emphasized. She added that while federations should retain their independence, they must also enhance collaboration with the ministry.

She stressed the need for a coordinated approach, stating, “Hosting the Olympics in 2036 demands alignment between the IOA, NSFs, and the government. They can’t work at cross purposes; their goals must align.” Tensions have emerged over autonomy, particularly between the ministry and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). IOA President P.T. Usha raised concerns that the proposed regulatory body in the draft sports bill, meant to oversee NSF operations, could weaken the IOA and be seen by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as undue government interference.

“Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has personally engaged with all NSFs to understand their concerns,” Khadse noted. “We are also working to reduce litigation to maintain administrative efficiency. Our goal is to ensure athletes receive the best support possible, and NSFs are responding positively to the ministry’s efforts in this direction.”

Also Read: AI to Blame? World Population Could Drop to 100 Million by 2300, Warns Report

Share

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
•