India’s aspiration to host the 2036 Olympics, as announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marks a significant milestone in the nation’s sporting ambitions. However, the path to securing the Games is a complex and multistage process, as explained by the International Olympic Committee’s Future Olympic Games Hosts Director, Jacqueline Barrett.

1. Initial Steps:

• India had expressed its intent to host the Olympics by sending a letter to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), initiating a “continuous dialogue” phase.
• This dialogue doesn’t have to be specific to the 2036 Games and allows for exploratory discussions.

2. Continuous Dialogue Phase:

• In the early stages, the IOC looks at the vision of the potential hosts.
• The dialogue focuses on the purpose of hosting the Games and long-term legacies.
• Planning, including selecting venues and regions, is crucial in this phase.
• The IOC encourages each host to develop a unique approach, emphasizing the importance of local context.

3. Progressing to the Targeted Dialogue Phase:

• If a bid gains momentum and meets the necessary criteria, it enters the “targeted dialogue” phase.
• Here, a deep dive into the project takes place.
• The IOC team may visit the potential host to assess infrastructure.
• Preferred hosts must answer detailed questionnaires and provide guarantees to demonstrate their commitment.

4. Providing Guarantees:

• Hosts are required to furnish over 20 guarantees to the IOC.
• These include commitments regarding infrastructure, accommodation, security, public services, and government support.
• The guarantees aim to ensure the successful organization of the Games.

5. Venue Selection:

• The IOC promotes the use of existing or temporary venues to reduce hosting costs.
• There is no set limit on the capacity of Olympic venues.
• The choice of specific cities or regions within India for the bid has not been revealed yet.

6. Timeline for Awarding the Games:

• The IOC does not impose a fixed deadline for awarding the Games.
• The decision may be delayed until as late as 2030, as the world’s dynamics are constantly changing.
• The responsibility of awarding the 2036 Olympics falls on the next IOC leadership after the election in 2025.
• A decision might not be made before 2026-27 or even later.

India’s journey towards hosting the Olympics is a complex and multifaceted process that requires careful planning, local context consideration, and a commitment to ensuring the Games’ success. The nation’s bid to host the 2036 Olympics represents a significant step toward achieving this prestigious goal, but it also highlights the intricacies involved in securing such a global sporting event.