Context:
India has formally expressed its intent to host the 2036 Olympic Games, signalling a strategic push to emerge as a global sporting hub. The announcement aligns with ongoing sports governance reforms, large-scale infrastructure expansion, and athlete-centric support schemes.
Key Highlights:
- Government Initiative & Policy Push
- Prime Minister announced India’s preparedness to host the 2036 Olympics.
- Ahmedabad has been projected as the candidate host city.
- India is also set to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, strengthening its hosting credentials.
- The International Olympic Committee has temporarily paused the host selection process for an internal review.
- Sports Reforms & Athlete Support
- Implementation of the National Sports Governance Act to enhance transparency, accountability, and professionalism in sports bodies.
- Expansion of Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) for elite athlete training and international exposure.
- Khelo India Policy 2025 focuses on grassroots talent identification, school-level sports, and inclusive participation.
- Global Competition
- Competing nations for 2036 hosting rights include Qatar, Turkey, Indonesia, Hungary, and Germany.
- India’s successful bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, defeating Abuja (Nigeria), adds credibility.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- TOPS: Central Sector Scheme for grooming medal prospects through financial, technical, and logistical support.
- Khelo India: Flagship programme for mass participation, sports infrastructure, and talent development.
- National Sports Governance Act: Aims to reform sports administration, align with global best practices, and reduce political interference.
- IOC host selection pause: Reflects reforms in Olympic bidding processes emphasizing sustainability and legacy.
Relevant Mains Points:
- Governance Dimension: Institutional reforms in sports governance promote accountability and ethical administration.
- Societal Impact: Hosting mega-sporting events fosters national integration, youth engagement, and sports culture.
- Economic & Urban Impact: Infrastructure development, employment generation, sports tourism, and global branding.
- Soft Power Projection: Enhances India’s international standing and diplomacy through sports.
- Way Forward:
- Ensure financial sustainability and avoid post-event infrastructure redundancy.
- Strengthen state–centre coordination for urban planning and logistics.
- Invest in sports science, coaching, and grassroots ecosystems to convert hosting ambition into sporting excellence.
UPSC Relevance:
- GS 2: Governance, public policy, institutional reforms
- GS 1: Society, youth, social empowerment
- Prelims: Sports schemes, international institutions