The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has decided to temporarily halt the bidding process for the 2036 Olympic Games. This decision means that no final decision will be made regarding the hosting of the games, including for India and several other countries.
Sports News: Hopes for India and other nations regarding hosting the 2036 Olympic Games have been put on hold. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) recently decided at its executive board meeting to temporarily suspend the bidding process for the 2036 Olympics. This announcement was made by the new IOC President, Kristy Coventry, on June 26th following the board's first meeting in Lausanne, Switzerland. India had submitted its formal proposal to host the event 8 months ago, but a final decision has now been postponed.
Why has the IOC put a break on the bidding process?
IOC President Kristy Coventry explained that this decision was made for two key reasons. Firstly, the majority of committee members wanted to play a more active role in the process. This means they want to be involved at every stage of the host selection, not just voting. Secondly, it became necessary to discuss when the next host city should be announced. This decision was made due to differences in opinions among various countries and members regarding the process and timeline.
Coventry stated, "We want to make the bidding process more transparent and inclusive." A working group will be formed soon to review the process and present new recommendations.
Impact on India's hosting preparations
India formally submitted a Letter of Intent to the IOC last October, expressing its desire to host the 2036 Olympic Games. The Indian government and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) had hailed the event as a significant step towards creating a new chapter in the country's sporting history. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also announced India's bid in an event, stating that the country was ready to host the 2036 Olympics.
Following this decision, India will have to wait longer. It was earlier believed that the IOC could announce the next host by 2025, but the process has now been postponed indefinitely.
India's Hosting History
Hosting multi-sports events is not new to India. The country has successfully organized several major international sporting events before:
- 1951 Asian Games: India hosted the first edition of the Asian Games in New Delhi. This was a proud moment for independent India.
- 1982 Asian Games: New Delhi again hosted this prestigious event, and during this time, India's sports infrastructure was revamped.
- 2010 Commonwealth Games: Delhi hosted this major international sporting event, which showcased India's organizational capabilities globally.
It is clear from the IOC's decision that India and other interested countries will now have to reconsider their strategies for hosting the 2036 Olympics. Until the working group presents its report and new framework, no concrete progress in this direction will be possible.
