Preparing for Glory: Olympics 2036 and Ahmedabad’s Role

1. Overview: India’s Olympic Dream

India’s aspiration to host the 2036 Summer Olympics marks a historic and strategic push to establish itself as a global sporting power. The announcement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 141st IOC Session held in Mumbai in 2023 set the stage for India’s ambitious Olympic journey, with Ahmedabad in Gujarat named as the proposed host city.

India’s bid is more than just an event proposal—it reflects a vision to uplift national sports infrastructure, position India on the world stage, and catalyze long-term urban and economic development.

2. Why Ahmedabad?

Ahmedabad stands out for several key reasons:

1. Infrastructure: Home to the world’s largest cricket stadium—Narendra Modi Stadium—Ahmedabad is well-prepared to scale up to international requirements.

2. Connectivity: Improved metro connectivity, road networks (including the third ring road revival), and the upcoming Dholera International Airport add to its appeal.

3. Political Will: As the home state of key national leaders, Gujarat has administrative and political backing to ensure seamless execution.

4. Existing Sporting Culture: With major cricketing events and a growing interest in athletics, the region is already sport-savvy.

3. The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave

At the heart of this Olympic vision lies the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave in Motera, a 236-acre sporting complex envisioned to host 20 Olympic sports. The enclave will include:

1. Olympic-standard indoor stadiums

2. Aquatic centres

3. Football and tennis complexes

4. A 200-acre Olympic Village

5. Accommodation and training facilities for athletes

The enclave is designed not just for 2036, but to serve as a legacy sports hub for future generations.

4. Satellite Sports Facilities Across Ahmedabad

In a decentralised approach, several mini sports complexes are being developed in areas like Gota, Bopal, Ranip, Naroda, and Nikol, with investments ranging from ?200–250 crore. These facilities will host training, pre-event practice, and smaller Olympic events.

5. India's National Olympic Strategy

India has introduced the Khelo Bharat Niti (Play India Policy) to promote sports at all levels—from grassroots to international competition. This policy focuses on:

1. National sports training academies

2. Private sector participation

3. Enhanced sports education

4. Hosting major global events

It aligns perfectly with the Olympic preparation vision and supports India's multi-city strategy for hosting the Games.

6. Multi-City Hosting Model

While Ahmedabad is the nucleus, India is planning a multi-city hosting model to ensure efficient distribution of events, minimize infrastructure overload, and maximize regional benefits. Proposed host cities for specific events include:

1. Bhubaneswar (Hockey)

2. Pune (Rowing & Kayaking)

3. Chennai (Sailing)

4. Bhopal, Delhi, Mumbai (Supportive roles)

This strategy mirrors the IOC’s sustainability principles and reduces overall costs.

7. Economic and Urban Impact

Estimated Cost: ?60,000 Crore (~$7.5 Billion)

This makes it potentially one of the costliest Olympics in history, but it is expected to provide:

1. Massive job creation (during construction and event execution)

2. Boost to real estate and hospitality sectors

3. Tourism growth, particularly in Gujarat

4. Improved urban infrastructure and long-term sporting infrastructure

8. Cultural and Global Showcasing

India plans to highlight indigenous sports like Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, and Yoga during the 2036 Olympics. If accepted by the IOC, this will mark the global entry of traditional Indian games, reflecting India’s cultural richness.

The bid also symbolizes India’s intent to promote values like “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (The world is one family) and global peace through sports.

9. Roadmap and Timeline

Year	Milestone
2024–2025	IOC Consultations; Gujarat infrastructure work begins
2026–2028	CWG 2030 bid finalization; metro and airport upgrades
2029–2031	IOC final evaluation of host cities
2032–2035	Final readiness; test events
2036	Olympics in India

Final Thoughts

India’s Olympic bid is a symbol of national pride, global ambition, and strategic development. For Ahmedabad, the 2036 Olympics offer an unprecedented opportunity to transform into a world-class city—not just in terms of infrastructure, but also cultural outreach, economic impact, and global recognition. With visionary leadership, robust planning, and citizen participation, Gujarat is preparing not just for an event, but for glory that will inspire generations.

In case of any query regarding Preparing for Glory: Olympics 2036 and Ahmedabad’s Role feel free to connect with our legal experts, Tulja Legal, at +91 96380-69905

About the Author

Anju S Nair

Legal Researcher | LLB, MA English| Corporate Lawyer | Business Enthusiast | Founder & CEO at iLawbook.

FAQs

Q1. Why is Ahmedabad the chosen city for the Olympic bid?
Ahmedabad offers robust infrastructure, political support, and rapid urban development making it ideal for hosting mega events.

Q2. What is the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave?
It is a 236-acre sports complex under development in Motera, Ahmedabad, designed to host 20 Olympic disciplines.

Q3. Will other cities in India also host events?
Yes, a multi-city hosting model is being planned, with cities like Pune, Bhubaneswar, and Chennai participating.

Q4. What is the total cost of India’s Olympic bid?
Estimated at ?60,000 crore ($7.5 billion), covering stadiums, transportation, housing, and urban development.

Q5. Will traditional Indian sports be part of the Olympics?
India aims to include sports like Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, and Yoga, subject to IOC approval.

Q6. What role does the Narendra Modi Stadium play?
It will be a key venue for athletics and major ceremonies, being the world’s largest cricket stadium.

Q7. How is Gujarat preparing the city for global visitors?
By expanding metro connectivity, reviving the third ring road, enhancing airport access, and building hotels and sports villages.

Q8. What are the long-term benefits for Gujarat?
Job creation, economic growth, improved infrastructure, international visibility, and a sporting culture boost.

Q9. Has India hosted any major sporting event before?
Yes. The 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi and various cricket World Cups, but this will be India’s first Olympics.

Q10. What is the current status of India's Olympic bid?
India has officially expressed interest and is in continuous dialogue with the IOC, though final host selection is pending.

References

1. India’s 2036 Olympics Bid – GamesBids

2. IOC Session in Mumbai – Economic Times

3. Olympic Stadium Infrastructure – Wikipedia

4. Khelo Bharat Niti – Hindustan Times

5. Gujarat Mini Sports Complexes – Times of India

6. 2030 Commonwealth Games Bid – Reuters

7. Cost Estimate for 2036 Olympics – Economic Times

8. Ahmedabad Infrastructure Expansion – Times of India

9. Inclusion of Traditional Sports – La Cadena SER

10. Ahmedabad Planning Visit to Paris 2024 – TOI

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