Indian delegation visits Olympic headquarters in major push for 2036 hosting dreams-OxBig News Network

A high-level Indian delegation is currently in Lausanne, Switzerland, on a key three-day visit to the headquarters of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), underscoring the country’s resolve to pursue its ambitious bid to host the 2036 Summer Olympics. This marks India’s first official visit to the Olympic capital since expressing formal interest in hosting the Games last year.

Led by Gujarat Sports Minister Harsh Sanghvi, the delegation includes Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha, Sports Association Secretary Hariranjan Rao, Gujarat Chief Sports Secretary Ashwini Kumar, and Urban Secretary Thennarasan. The visit comes just days after newly elected IOC President Kirsty Coventry announced a “pause and review” of the host city selection process — a move that casts uncertainty over timelines but not over India’s current momentum.

The Indian team is holding consultations with various international sporting bodies, aiming to showcase Gujarat — the proposed host region — as a viable destination for mega sporting events. India had submitted its Letter of Intent to the IOC in October 2023, with its bid being championed by IOC member Nita Ambani and publicly supported by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“Yesterday I had a fruitful meeting with the President of SportAccord, a Lausanne-based global sports event organisation. Gujarat was invited to host the SportAccord conference in Gujarat, which will showcase Gujarat’s potential as a major sports event destination. We had detailed discussions with Team Berson on international sports tournament presentations and explored opportunities for collaboration and growth,” Sanghvi said.

The delegation also held discussions with representatives from the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC), which includes 206 National Olympic Committees under the IOC umbrella. “Our sports infrastructure and hospitality were highlighted in this meeting,” Sanghvi noted.

Additionally, meetings with the International Volleyball Federation focused on exploring opportunities to host major tournaments and to further develop the sport in India. These engagements mark an important step in positioning India as a hub for international sporting events, while strengthening partnerships with global sports organisations.

These engagements continue even as President Coventry’s recent remarks indicate a possible shift in the IOC’s approach to selecting Olympic hosts. Speaking after her first Executive Board meeting last week, she revealed plans to form a working group to evaluate the process — one that had previously fast-tracked Brisbane for the 2032 Games under Thomas Bach’s presidency, bypassing traditional bids.

“There was overwhelming support from the IOC members for a pause and a review of the host election process,” Coventry said. “We want all interested parties to be part of this review. I am aware of the Indian delegation visiting this week — that will continue. They might be the first interested party from whom we’ll seek input.”

Despite the temporary uncertainty, India’s campaign continues to build international goodwill. The country’s last major multi-sport hosting was the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, and there is a growing sense that India is ready for a bigger stage.

Prime Minister Modi has repeatedly underscored India’s Olympic aspirations, noting the broader national significance of bringing the Games to a country that has never hosted them.

“We are pushing for hosting rights of the 2036 Olympics — it will take Indian sport to new heights. Wherever Olympics happen, all sectors gain,” he had said.

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