India has played host to several major sporting events over the years — the 2010 Commonwealth Games, Asian Games in 1951 and 1982, and most recently, the 2023 Cricket World Cup. However, the Olympic Games are an entirely different challenge. Beyond financial capability, India must ensure competitiveness across multiple sports and develop world-class infrastructure, including a well-equipped Games Village, efficient communication systems and seamless logistics. The question remains: should India bid for the 2036 Olympics?
At the Trailblazers 3.0 Conclave, some of India’s most celebrated sports personalities weighed in on this debate, offering diverse perspectives on the feasibility and implications of such an ambitious project.
A Resounding Yes from Adille Sumariwalla
Adille Sumariwalla, vice-president of World Athletics, is unequivocally in favour of hosting it. “Absolutely, without a doubt, we should host the Olympics. The London Olympics spent $12 billion, but within the first year, they generated $10 billion in tourism revenue alone. With a population of 1.5 billion, 40% of whom are under 25, it’s a no-brainer. The Olympic Games would provide the youth with purpose and direction.”
Caution and Reflection from Pullela Gopichand
Former All England champion and national badminton coach Pullela Gopichand agreed that India should host the Olympics but emphasised learning from past experiences. “We conducted the best Commonwealth Games ever, but what legacy did it leave? Corruption scandals overshadowed the event, and we failed to capitalise on the 107 medals we won. If we host the Olympics, we need a concrete plan for post-event development — ensuring that the Games inspire people and leave behind sustainable sports infrastructure.”
Timing Concerns from Mahesh Bhupati
Tennis legend Mahesh Bhupati, who has played in five Olympic Games, raised concerns about India’s readiness. “I’ve been to Sydney, Beijing and London, and the atmosphere is electrifying when your athletes are podium contenders. Host nations usually get wild card entries in every sport, but are we prepared to compete at that level across disciplines? If we want to be a sporting superpower, we should first focus on strengthening our athletes rather than just hosting a $15 billion event. Maybe, we should aim for 2046 instead.”
A Squash Player’s Perspective: Saurav Ghosal
India’s squash icon Saurav Ghosal offered a balanced view, acknowledging the challenges while seeing potential benefits. “Squash is making its Olympic debut at LA 2028, and hopefully, it will remain for Brisbane 2032 and beyond. Hosting the Olympics is the pinnacle of sports, and every athlete dreams of winning an Olympic gold. While Mahesh makes a valid point about our competitive readiness, I also believe that securing the 2036 Olympics could act as a catalyst for Indian sports. It could push the entire sporting ecosystem to improve, just as hosting the cricket World Cup added urgency to India’s preparation.”
The Verdict: A Dream with Challenges
The discussion at Trailblazers 3.0 highlighted the complexity of hosting an event as massive as the Olympics. While the enthusiasm for bringing the Games to India is evident, the concerns about preparedness, financial implications, and post-Games legacy cannot be ignored.
If India is serious about bidding for the 2036 Olympics, the next decade must be spent not only on infrastructure but also on developing a robust sporting culture. Investment in grassroots sports, athlete development and governance reforms will be crucial. Hosting the Olympics should not just be about national pride — it should be a step towards making India a global sporting powerhouse.
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