Prime Minister Narendra Modi signaled India’s intentions to host the Olympic Games in 2036 when he addressed the opening ceremony of the historic International Olympic Committee session in Mumbai on Saturday. Addressing the IOC leadership in the city, PM Modi said it’s the dream of 140 crore Indians to see the country hosting the prestigious Olympic Games.
PM Modi, during his speech, did not mention specifics of the candidate city but Ahmedabad certainly is the frontrunner. PM Modi, at the IOC session, also said India would be keen on hosting the 2029 Youth Olympic Games, which will enable the country to rehearse for the Summer Olympics in 2036. Notably, Paris will host the Olympics in 2024, Los Angeles in 2028 and Brisbane in 2032.
India is facing competition from Poland, Mexico and Indonesia for the hosting rights for the 2036 Olympic Games. The decision on which city will host the 2036 summer Olympics will be taken in three years time at the earliest, the IOC said in its session on Sunday.
However, the state of Gujarat is working towards equipping itself to host the biggest sporting spectacle in the globe.
The first glimpse of one of The preparations at the site are underway as per the first draf of the master plan prepared by the state government.
HOW GUJARAT IS GEARING UP
According to sources, the Gujarat government has gotten approval for the construction from the Center. 4 sites around Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar have been identified.
While the Gujarat government is yet to make it official, a special purpose body, Gujarat Olympics Planning and Infrastructure Corporation Limited, has been formed.
The Sardar Patel Sports Enclave in Ahmedabad, which hosts the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, is currently abuzz with full-scale activity as it is expected to be the central part of the hosting region.
A comprehensive list comprising 33 potential sports hubs across the state was diligently curated. Shivrajpur, the iconic Statue of Unity, and the sprawling sea expanse of Surat as the preferred venues for various water sporting events.
In a forward-looking move, the Gujarat Olympics Planning and Infrastructure Corporation Limited has established a specialised entity dedicated to the Olympics. One of the pivotal elements of this ambitious plan is the proposed Olympic Village, strategically situated in close proximity to the Narendra Modi Stadium. Central to this grand initiative is the Sardar Patel Sports Enclave, poised to emerge as the epicenter of sporting excellence in the region. Extensive groundwork is underway to facilitate a diverse array of over 20 sports within this dynamic enclave, promising a rich tapestry of athletic prowess.
The Gujarat Government has proactively apprised the Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (AUDA) and the Gandhinagar Urban Development Authority (GUDA) of their pivotal role in identifying potential sites between Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar. Guiding this monumental endeavor is Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who has personally spearheaded two significant meetings to meticulously oversee all preparations.