India sends formal letter to IOC expressing India's interest in hosting the Olympic

On October 1, the Indian Olympic Association formally sent a letter of intent to the International Olympic Committee declaring India's interest in hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2036, taking a significant step towards India becoming a sporting superpower. Reports said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2036 in India has taken a significant step forward. This important opportunity can bring substantial benefits while promoting economic growth, social progress and youth empowerment across the country."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has shown interest on several occasions for India to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games. While interacting with the athletes of Paris Olympics at his residence in New Delhi on the occasion of Independence Day celebrations, Prime Minister Modi had asked them to give their suggestions for preparations for the grand event to be held in 2036.

Prime Minister Modi had said, “India is preparing to host the 2036 Olympics. In this regard, the suggestions received from the athletes who have played in the previous Olympics are very important. All of you must have seen and experienced many things. We want to document it and share it with the government so that we do not miss any small detail in preparation for 2036.”

At the 141st IOC Session held in Mumbai last year, Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India's interest in hosting the Olympic Games in the year 2036 and claimed that 140 crore Indians are committed to hosting these games. He said, “We will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to host the Olympics on Indian soil in the year 2036. This is the age-old dream and aspiration of 140 crore Indians. This dream has to be realized with your cooperation and support.”

IOC President Thomas Bach had also backed India's case, claiming that there is a "strong case" for India to host the Olympic Games. India is among the 10 countries that have shown interest in hosting the 2036 Olympic Games. In November 2022, the IOC began discussions with countries that have shown interest, including India. The 10 countries that have shown initial interest in hosting the 2036 Games include Mexico (Mexico City, Guadalajara-Monterrey-Tijuana), Indonesia (Nusantara), Turkey (Istanbul), India (Ahmedabad), Poland (Warsaw, Krakow), Egypt (New Administrative Capital) and South Korea (Seoul-Incheon).

The hosting rights for the Olympics will be allocated through a detailed host selection process by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The IOC has a dedicated body, called the Future Host Commission, dealing with the subject.