Indian Sports Development

India’s bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games presents a massive opportunity to boost infrastructure investment while ensuring lasting benefits for local communities, according to sports governance expert Moya Dodd. As the world’s most populous nation, India has yet to host an Olympics. However, it has previously organized the Asian Games (1951, 1982) and the Commonwealth Games (2010). The city of Ahmedabad, Gujarat, is expected to be at the heart of the Olympic bid, though a multi-city approach remains a possibility. A Catalyst for Growth Dodd, a former FIFA Council member and part of the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) Athlete Entourage Commission, emphasized the long-term benefits of developing world-class sports infrastructure. “It’s a great opportunity to turbo-charge investment into sports infrastructure that will bear fruit for years,” she stated at the RCB Innovation Lab Indian Sports Summit. She also stressed the importance of inclusive development, ensuring investments serve communities beyond the Games. Global Competition for the 2036 Olympics Several nations, including Indonesia, Turkey, and Chile, have already declared their interest in hosting the 2036 Olympics, with Egypt and South Korea also expected to join the race. Dodd highlighted the need for a legacy-driven approach, ensuring the event uplifts communities rather than extracts resources. “Sport should be a force for good. Hosting the Olympics should not cause disadvantage or suffering but deliver benefits along the way.” India’s Olympic Performance & Future Investments Historically, India has won 41 Olympic medals, including 10 golds, primarily from hockey (1928-1980), athletics, and shooting. The country secured its best-ever seven-medal haul in Tokyo 2021. Former India hockey captain PR Sreejesh, who played a key role in securing bronze medals at the Tokyo 2021 and Paris 2024 Olympics, stressed the importance of grassroots investment. “If we aim for success in the 2036 Olympics, now is the time to identify and nurture young talent, especially in the 12-14 age group,” said Sreejesh, now coaching India’s junior men’s hockey team. With the right investments, planning, and vision, India’s Olympic bid could reshape the country’s sporting landscape and infrastructure for decades to come.