India’s ambitious bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games has hit a hurdle, with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) urging the country to address significant concerns regarding governance, anti-doping measures, and overall sporting performance.
India’s Olympic Dream Faces Reality Check
An Indian delegation recently made a strong case at the Olympic headquarters in Lausanne, officially proposing Ahmedabad as the candidate city for the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This was the first formal meeting after India expressed its interest in hosting the prestigious event.
However, sources close to the discussions revealed that the IOC delivered a frank assessment. They emphasized that India must get its “house in order” before serious progress can be made on its Olympic hosting aspirations.
The delegation included high-profile officials such as Gujarat’s Home and Sports Minister Harsh Sanghavi and Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha, alongside bureaucrats and consultants.
Governance Issues Plague Indian Olympic Association
A major point of concern flagged by the IOC is the administrative turmoil within the Indian Olympic Association. For nearly two years, the IOA has been grappling with internal conflicts, including a public dispute between IOA chief PT Usha and the Executive Council.
These issues span from sponsorship deals to allegations of financial mismanagement and a contentious appointment for the Chief Executive position. The ongoing logjam has even led the IOC to halt athlete welfare grants to the IOA since October 2024, pending an improvement in the situation.
The Stubborn Shadow of Doping
Another critical area highlighted by the IOC is the pervasive doping problem in Indian sports. According to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), India recorded the highest positivity rate for banned substances among major sporting nations in 2023.
A separate WADA study last year also indicated that India ranked second globally, only after Russia, for positive doping cases among minors. Furthermore, in track and field events, the Athletics Integrity Unit placed India at number two for doping offenders as of May 2025.
Olympic Performance Needs a Boost
The IOC also pointed to India’s relatively modest performance at recent Olympic Games. At last year’s Paris Games, India finished a disappointing 71st, securing only six medals. Improving this sporting output is seen as crucial for a nation aspiring to host the world’s biggest sporting spectacle.
What’s Next for India’s Bid?
The IOC’s decision last month to pause the host selection process, following the takeover by its new president Kirsty Coventry, might offer India a much-needed window. This pause could provide valuable time for the country to address the highlighted internal issues.
Officials from the Union Sports Ministry have acknowledged these challenges. They stated that plans are underway to combat doping and expressed hope that the governance issues within the IOA, particularly the CEO appointment dispute, will be resolved swiftly.
The success of India’s 2036 Olympic bid hinges significantly on how quickly and effectively these fundamental issues are tackled.
- The IOC urged India to fix governance, anti-doping, and performance issues before seriously considering its 2036 Olympic bid.
- Internal conflicts and administrative logjams within the Indian Olympic Association have led the IOC to suspend athlete welfare grants.
- India has a high rate of doping violations, ranking among the top countries globally according to WADA reports.
- Improving India’s Olympic medal tally and overall sporting performance is a key expectation from the IOC.
As India moves forward, demonstrating tangible progress on these fronts will be paramount to keeping its Olympic hosting dream alive.
