India Has ‘Very Good Momentum’ In Bid For 2036 Olympics: IOC Member

PM Narendra Modi has spoken passionately about India’s aspirations on the global sporting stage, including a potential bid for the 2036 Olympics. (Image: PTI/File)

Andrew Parsons, a member of the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) Future Host Commission, believes that India’s economic growth and sporting achievements provide the country with ‘very good momentum’ to bid for hosting the 2036 Games.

An Indian delegation met with International Olympic Committee (IOC) officials to formally present this bid in July. The IOC has put the host selection process for future Games on hold for review, but India is said to be in a ‘Continuous Dialogue’ phase

Parsons, who is also the head of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), mentioned that India has made ‘a very good start’ in its pursuit of hosting the Games for the first time.

“As President of the IPC and a member of the IOC Future Host Commission, I should not discuss chances. However, I believe India has a very good momentum as a nation,” Parsons stated at a press conference, as quoted by PTI. “You have been growing economically, socially, and in the field of sport. I think you have a very good momentum,” added the Brazilian, who was recently re-elected for his third and final term as IPC chief during the General Assembly in Seoul.

Parsons, who is in India to attend the World Para Athletics Championships hosted by the country for the first time, praised the central government’s strong commitment and efforts to host the 2036 Olympics.

“What I see is a nation very dedicated to sport and eager to host the Games. You have solid support from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I was present at the IOC session in Mumbai two years ago when he expressed the country’s intention to bid for the 2036 event.

“The support and enthusiasm of your top leader are crucial. As a Brazilian who experienced hosting the Games in Rio in 2016, having the head of the country’s support was essential.

“So, when the Prime Minister is so involved and openly discussing India’s vision, it’s a very good start.”

New IOC President Kirsty Coventry has paused the selection process and established a working group to determine the ‘appropriate time’ for identifying a future host.

Meanwhile, Parsons also confirmed the Paralympics will be held in the same country as the Olympics until 2032.