Indian cricket administrator Jay Shah, who serves as chairman of the International Cricket Council, has publicly stated his ambition to see India host the Olympic Games in 2036. Speaking about the country’s recent success in securing the 2030 Commonwealth Games, Shah said the nation should aim higher and prepare a bid for the Olympics.
India 2036 Olympics bid gains momentum
Shah praised the government’s achievement in winning the 2030 Commonwealth Games and argued that the experience could form a foundation for an Olympic bid. “We have to build on this momentum,” he said. “Hosting the Commonwealth Games is a major step, but our aim must be to bring the 2036 Olympics to India.”
The remark from a leading figure in global sport will focus attention on what would be one of the most ambitious sports hosting campaigns the country has attempted. India has staged large multi-sport events in the past, but an Olympic bid would demand a far greater scale of planning, investment and international lobbying.
Any move towards an official bid would require close cooperation between the Indian government, the Indian Olympic Association, national sporting federations and the International Olympic Committee. The bid process typically involves detailed proposals on venues, transport, accommodation and legacy plans, along with firm commitments on funding and governance.
Supporters point to clear potential benefits. Hosting the Olympics could accelerate infrastructure development, generate thousands of jobs in construction and services, and boost tourism and international visibility. A well-run Games could also inspire a new generation of athletes and increase long-term investment in grassroots sport.
At the same time, observers warn of the sizeable challenges. The cost of staging the Olympics has risen steadily at recent editions and managing budgets without compromising public services would be a major priority. Environmental considerations and sustainable design will also be under scrutiny given global expectations for low-carbon events.
Competition from other cities and nations will be intense. An Indian bid would have to present clear competitive advantages and a convincing legacy plan to win IOC support. Analysts expect that bidders will need to demonstrate not only world-class facilities but also strong governance, transparent financing and inclusive legacy promises.
For now the comments from Jay Shah are best viewed as the opening of a conversation. Preparing a credible bid will take years of planning and coordination. If India pursues the 2036 Olympics, the coming decade will be critical in shaping proposals, securing investment and building international support.
Observers will watch how government ministries and the Indian Olympic Association respond to Shah’s remarks. Should they move forward, a formal timeline would emerge with feasibility studies, stakeholder consultations and eventual submission to the IOC. Until then the idea of India hosting the 2036 Olympics remains a prospective ambition with significant potential and equally significant hurdles to overcome.
Key Takeaways:
- India 2036 Olympics bid announced by ICC chairman Jay Shah, following the government securing the 2030 Commonwealth Games.
- Shah says India should not stop at the Commonwealth Games and wants to host the 2036 Olympics to raise the country’s global sporting profile.
- Experts say a successful bid would require government backing, major infrastructure upgrades and collaboration with sporting bodies and private partners.
