Ahmedabad has emerged as the central hub of India’s ambitious bid to host the 2036 Olympics, a vision drawing attention well beyond the borders of Gujarat. A media report has claimed that dialogues are on in the higher echelons of the government and various bureaucratic circles to host part of the event outside of Gujarat.
Qatar and Saudi Arabia, two nations keen to flex their financial muscles to secure major global sporting events, as evidenced by their successes in the FIFA World Cup, have shown interest in hosting the 2036 Olympics.
The report claims that India has submitted a Letter of Intent to host the Olympics and is constantly engaged in dialogue with the International Olympic Council’s Future Hosts Commission. However, the internal conflict within the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) could be a roadblock. The IOA is responsible for a dialogue with the IOC, a crucial aspect in which India has lagged considerably.
Meanwhile, the Indian government is overseeing a slew of sports infrastructure projects valued at over Rs 6,000 crore to present a strong bid for the Games. Chief among these projects is the Naranpura Sports Complex, an expansive multi-purpose facility for elite athletes and the public by March.
This state-of-the-art venue, which spans 20.39 acres and is constructed at an investment of approximately Rs 631.77 crore, will have an Olympic-sized indoor swimming pool, and courts for basketball, volleyball, and badminton. It will also have arenas for gymnastics, kabaddi, wrestling, and taekwondo, besides a table tennis room and a centre of excellence serving multiple sports disciplines.
The report adds that over 1,000 workers are functioning with a sense of urgency to ensure the venue is ready on time. The Naranpura Sports Complex will be presented as a key element of the grand infrastructure plan in the build-up to the 2036 Olympics.
The focus is on the expansive Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (SVP) Sports Enclave, which encompasses 355 acres adjacent to the Narendra Modi Stadium in Motera, and the Karai Sports Hub, which occupies 143 acres and capitalises on reclaimed riverfront land.
In December, Gujarat Olympic Planning and Infrastructure Limited released a tender inviting bids for consultants to help develop these two critical projects.
The tender documents indicate that the SVP Sports Enclave will include the Narendra Modi Stadium, a multi-purpose indoor arena, alongside dedicated aquatics and tennis centres.
The enclave will also have temporary venues for volleyball, 3×3 basketball, sport climbing, and urban sports, creating an electric atmosphere for top sporting competitions.
Also, athletics events are slated to take place at the Karai Sports Hub, where plans are afoot to construct a stadium with a seating capacity of 35,000, allowing for additional temporary seating during the Games to accommodate a larger audience. Additionally, the Karai Police Academy will host a high-tech shooting complex, adding another layer of versatility to the venue.
The timeline demands completion of the projects, latest by 2028, ensuring they are ready for the Games.
Those involved in the Olympic hosting process firmly believe that India’s diverse demographics position the nation favourably. But, as highlighted earlier in this article, the road is fraught with numerous challenges.
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