IOA Submits ‘Letter of Intent’ To Host 2036 Olympics

2036 Olympics

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has formally submitted a ‘Letter of Intent’ to the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) Future Host Commission to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This is the start of a long journey, as the host is to be decided only after the elections for the IOC take place next year. Strong Competition In Race To Host 2036 Olympics India has faced a stiff competition as it bids to host the 2036 Olympics against other countries with Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey reportedly putting themselves at good standings in this bid. More than ten countries, the IOC states, are showing interest in hosting the games in 2036, since it will be the first free slot. IOC Head Defends India’s 2036 Bid The present IOC President, Thomas Bach, has been a supporter of India’s bid to host the 2036 Olympics. The last major international multi-sport event that India hosted was the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi in 2010, further adding to the country’s credentials for hosting large-scale sporting events. Ahmedabad Likely To Host 2036 Olympics Ahmedabad is now considered the front runner to host the 2036 Olympics. India’s top sports officials, including IOA President PT Usha, have been lobbying for the country’s Olympic bid in a bid to make it more solid. The presence has been notable at the 2024 Paris Olympics. India’s Push For Yoga And Other Sports In Olympics The IOC is not just bidding for the 2036 Games but also pleading that yoga feature in the Olympic sports calendar. One of the six sports that the Sports Ministry’s Mission Olympics Cell has recommended for possible inclusion, yoga is one of India’s greatest cultural exports and soft-power tools. The five other sports under consideration are Twenty-20 (t20)  cricket, kabaddi, chess, squash and kho kho. IOC rules govern the inducting of new games to the Olympics, as per which the Organising Committee of a particular edition of the Games is given a leeway to propose regional games which enjoy popularity in regions. The proposal for including yoga had come up in December last year when Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially declared the interest of India in hosting the 2036 Games. It has been the cell of the Mission Olympics, made up of former athletes, federation officials and sports administrators who have been taking forward these proposals. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye

Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Chairs Stakeholders Consultation Meeting with IOA, NSFs, and NSPOs on Draft National Sports Governance Bill 2024

Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya

Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya chaired a significant stakeholders consultation meeting with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), National Sports Federations (NSFs), and National Sports Promotion Organisations (NSPOs) to deliberate on the Draft National Sports Governance Bill 2024 in New Delhi today. Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Smt. Raksha Khadse, President, Indian Olympic association, Smt. P.T. Usha and representatives of Mission Olympic Cell and Sports Control Boards of Central Ministries were also present on the occasion. In his address, Dr. Mandaviya emphasized the government’s commitment to creating a robust and transparent sports ecosystem that fosters excellence and integrity. “The Draft National Sports Governance Bill 2024 Bill is a milestone in our mission to build a robust and transparent sports governance structure in India that aligns with international standards, including the Olympic and Paralympic Charter. The active involvement of various stakeholders and public is crucial for shaping policies that reflect the aspirations of our sports community,” he said. “The Draft Bill is a crucial step towards realizing the Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, where sports thrive as a pillar of national pride and growth,” said the Minister. “By empowering athlete-centric federations, introducing the Safe Sports Policy, and establishing an Appellate Sports Tribunal, we are building a robust framework that not only elevates our athletes but also strengthens India’s position on the global sports stage”, he added. The consultation saw active participation from representatives of various NSFs, NSPOs and IOA who shared their perspectives on the proposed governance reforms, athlete welfare measures, and the promotion of transparency in the administration of sports. The discussions also focused on key issues such as safeguarding athletes’ rights, streamlining the functioning of sports bodies, and enhancing India’s global sports standing. Dr. Mandaviya assured the stakeholders that their valuable inputs would be carefully considered in refining the draft bill. He reiterated the ministry’s vision to make India a global sports powerhouse by creating an environment that encourages fair play, inclusivity, and the holistic development of athletes. The Draft National Sports Governance Bill 2024 establishes a comprehensive framework to promote the development and welfare of sportspersons, ensure ethical governance, and provide effective dispute resolution mechanisms. The meeting aimed to gather insights, suggestions, and feedback from various stakeholders to create a law that benefits Indian sports. Union Minister reiterated that stakeholders and the general public are encouraged to share their suggestions and comments on the draft bill. The Comments can be send to the Ministry preferably by email at email id draft.sportsbill[at]gov[dot]in by 25.10.2024. Draft National Sports Governance Bill 2024 can be accessed at https://yas.nic.in/sports/draft-national-sports-governance-bill-2024-inviting-comments-suggestions-general-public-and. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports will continue to engage with various stakeholders as the draft bill progresses towards finalization, ensuring that the voices of athletes, administrators, experts and public are incorporated in shaping a progressive and sustainable sports governance framework for India.