In what will come as a huge surprise to Indian sporting fans, the Government is open to the idea of India hosting the 2032 Olympic games and could even launch a bid for it when the time arises.
The Commonwealth Games hosted by India in 2010 was marred by scams but the event as a whole turned out to be a good one for the athletes and IOA feels that after hosting the U-17 World Cup, India would have further expertise on hosting world events.
IOA President, N Ramachandran said that the government is still weighing the possibility but it surely hasn’t given up on it.
“The government in principle has agreed to look into the possibility of bidding for the Olympics in 2032. It is at a very preliminary stage. We need to get all the approvals.” he said.
He stressed on the fact that the process would be very elaborate but one that can be carried out.
“IOA has to make a proposal and give it to the government. That has to be agreed to by the government. Then the government has to give a sovereign guarantee. Not only from the incumbent government but also from the Leader of the Opposition,”
“And, the Chief Minister of the State in which the chosen city is located apart from the leader of the opposition have to say yes,” he added
He also said that the cost factor shouldn’t be an issue in putting up the bid.
“It (the process) will take at least anywhere between six to eight years. It can be done easily. If you look at today’s cost, it roughly comes to about $12 billion, out of which roughly 50 per cent you get by way of revenue and funding from the IOC.
“The balance, for a country of India’s size, it is not great money. (Rough) six billion over eight years, shouldn’t be difficult,” he said.
The 2020 Olympics is scheduled to be held in Tokyo
