New Delhi/Mumbai/Ahmedabad: Ahmedabad is set to be the cornerstone of India’s bid for 2036 Olympics even as few sports could be held in other cities in line with the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) push for cost-effectiveness and sustainability. Officials in the know said that the possibility of hosting hockey in Bhubaneswar, canoeing and kayaking in Pune, equestrian and rowing in Bhopal, and sailing in Chennai were being explored but the Gujarat city will remain at the front and centre of India’s push to host a maiden Olympics.

A senior official from the Gujarat State Olympic Association (GSOA) stated, "Should India emerge as a serious contender to host the Olympics—though that is still a considerable time away—the focal point of the Games will be in Ahmedabad." The official further noted that India is likely to showcase several existing venues in its bid to enhance its competitiveness against formidable rivals. "However, this may merely serve as part of the proposal. As clarity increases and the ongoing developments in Ahmedabad progress, the majority of sports will likely be centered here," the official elaborated.

Another official engaged in the planning of infrastructure in Ahmedabad emphasized that the city will be at the "heart" of India's bid. "Nonetheless, we can also consider the existing sports facilities in other cities. For instance, cricket could be hosted in various stadiums, and Pune might accommodate canoeing and kayaking. However, no formal proposal has yet been submitted," this official remarked.

On Wednesday, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya visited Bhubaneswar, where he toured the Kalinga Stadium and met with Odisha's sports secretary, Bhaskar Jyoti Sarma. The Kalinga Stadium, which has a capacity of 16,000, has hosted numerous international hockey events, including the last two Hockey World Cups in 2018 and 2023.

"A series of internal discussions have been ongoing for some time, but nothing definitive has emerged. While there is a possibility of Bhubaneswar hosting hockey events during the 2036 Olympics, all such decisions will ultimately be made in New Delhi," a second official stated.

India is preparing to submit bids for several international sporting events leading up to the Olympics, including the 2028 U-20 Athletics World Championships and the 2030 Youth Olympics. Additionally, the country will host the Asian Sailing Championships and the World Athletics Bronze Level Continental Tour later this year, along with the BWF World Championships scheduled for 2026.

In the competition for the 2036 Games, India is joined by Qatar, Turkey, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia, among others. Seoul, which previously hosted the 1988 Games, has already conducted feasibility studies for this potential event.

It is important to note that the bid committee responsible for presenting India's proposal to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has yet to be established. An official from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) mentioned, “There are elections in the IOC in March (18-21), and we anticipate a meeting with the IOC hosts commission thereafter.”

During the Paris Olympics, sailing events were held in Marseille, approximately three hours by train from Paris, while surfing took place in Tahiti, which is considerably farther away.

For these types of sports, India will need to consider venues beyond Ahmedabad. However, the Sabarmati Riverfront in the city has been identified as a potential location, according to a GSOA official.

It is also noted that three significant infrastructure projects in Ahmedabad are underway, regardless of whether the Olympics are hosted in India. The Naranpura Sports Complex, a multi-purpose facility covering 20 acres, is expected to be completed by March, while the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave near the Narendra Modi Stadium will require “a few more years” for completion.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave has already undergone multiple reviews by authorities for critical aspects such as fire evacuation. Being built for a projected cost of ₹6,000 crore, it can be a likely venue for aquatics and tennis. Work on the Karai Sports Hub in Gandhinagar, where athletics and shooting events could be staged, is undergoing renovation with an overlay of ₹1,200cr- ₹1,500 crore.

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