Olympic Games in India

IS INDIA READY TO HOST OLYMPIC GAMES?

Why in the news?

The Prime Minister recently said that India aspires to host the 2036 Olympic Games and The Youth Olympics in 2029.

What is the procedure to become a host for Olympic games?

1. Formal Proposal: While Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed India’s interest in hosting the Olympics, a formal proposal from the Indian Olympic Association is required to initiate the process.
2. IOC’s New Selection Process: The IOC has shifted from a competitive bidding process to a more collaborative and cost-effective approach. This involves direct engagement with interested parties and places more emphasis on sustainability and utilizing existing infrastructure.
3. Sustainability: The IOC seeks to select host cities with a significant portion of the required infrastructure already in place. This approach can favor India, especially if the construction of new facilities contributes to a long-term sporting legacy.
4. Future Host Commission: The IOC’s Future Host Commission plays a pivotal role in evaluating bids. It assesses the suitability of cities and regions for hosting the Games and makes recommendations to the executive board.
5. Timeline: The duration of the bidding process has shortened considerably. While it previously took several years, the timeline is now more flexible and depends on the progress of the dialogue between the IOC and the bidding city.

Why does India want to host?

India’s vision to host the 2036 Olympics has a multifaceted significance:

Elevated Prestige and Global Acknowledgment: Organizing the Olympics signifies a prestigious achievement, bringing India under the global spotlight and earning international recognition.

Cultural Diplomacy Platform: This 16-day extravaganza serves as an arena for cultural diplomacy, allowing India to present its rich heritage, warm hospitality, and core values to a global audience.

Exercise of Soft Power: The Olympics become a unique channel for India to project its soft power, molding global perceptions of the nation’s capabilities and strengths. For example- Post-World War Europe, post-apartheid South Africa, Brazil and China have used olympics as a medium for showcasing their soft-power.

In addition, the transformative influence of sports is underscored:

Sports as a Catalyst for National Progress: Sports possess the potential to be a catalyst for national development, much like the inspiring achievements of athletes such as Neeraj Chopra.

Societal Impact: Beyond individual triumphs, sports contribute to broader societal benefits by enhancing facilities, medical support, and global exposure, ultimately improving the nation’s overall sporting performance.

Youth Inspiration: Successful sports endeavors inspire the youth, motivating them to actively participate, develop their talents, and make positive contributions to the country’s sports landscape.

Challenges and Considerations

1. Costs and Infrastructure

Significant financial investments in venues and security.

Strain on national resources and public finances.

1. Negative Publicity

Scrutiny and criticism, especially regarding human rights, environment, or politics.

III. Logistical Challenges

Complex arrangements for smooth execution.

1. Legacy Management

Ensuring long-term benefits from infrastructure and investments.

 WAY FORWARD

• Hosting an Olympics comes with substantial financial investment, infrastructure requirements, and climate considerations. India needs to carefully address these challenges to make its bid realistic and successful.
• To ensure sustainable success, it is imperative to focus on unity and collaboration among various stakeholders, plan for a long-lasting legacy that extends beyond the event itself, and prioritize harmony over discord.
• Redefining success by aiming for competitiveness across diverse events and embracing sustainable, eco-friendly hosting practices.

By effectively implementing these strategies, India can significantly enhance its global recognition, geopolitical influence, and accelerate national development through the successful execution of the 2036 Olympics.

BACKGROUNDER

Origin of IOC

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is a non-governmental international organization that came into existence in 1894.

Objectives of IOC

• The IOC has the aim of ensuring the regular holding of the Olympic Games and fostering Olympism and the Olympic movement.
• The Committee decides the rules and regulations of the Olympic Games. It also decides when and where the next Olympic event will be held.

Structure of IOC

The IOC is a permanent organization that elects its members.

• Representation: With very few exceptions, there is only one member from any one country.
• Term : Members were originally elected for life, but those elected after 1965 must retire at 75.
• Power : The IOC is the final authority on all questions concerning the Olympic games and the Olympic movement.
• Meetings : The Executive Board which meets four-five times a year to manage the IOC’s affairs has a President elected for an eight-year term and four Vice-Presidents who are each elected for a four-year term. There are usually six members on the Executive Board. These members are elected for a four-year term.
• Administration is carried under the authority of a Director-General and a Secretary-General.

RELATED ISSUE

Why does India fail to win more medals in Olympics?

India’s relatively low medal count in the Olympics despite its large population is a complex issue with multiple factors contributing to this situation. Here are some key reasons and strategies to perform better at the Olympics:

1. Lack of Sporting Culture: India has historically favoured sports like cricket over other Olympic disciplines. To perform better at the Olympics, there needs to be a cultural shift where other sports are encouraged and supported at the grassroots level.
2. Infrastructure and Training: The country needs better sports infrastructure and high-quality coaching at all levels. Investing in training facilities, coaches, and athlete development is crucial.
3. Nutrition and Fitness: Ensuring athletes have access to proper nutrition, strength and conditioning, and sports science support is essential. This requires funding and support from both government and private sectors.
4. Mental Toughness: Developing mental resilience in athletes is crucial. This includes providing sports psychology support and addressing the mental health of athletes.
5. Talent Identification: India should invest in talent identification programs to spot potential athletes at a young age and nurture their talent. This can be done in schools and colleges.
6. Government Support: Governments should provide financial and logistical support to athletes. This includes funding for international exposure and participation in events, as well as incentives for medal winners.
7. Private Sector Involvement: Encourage corporate and private sector involvement in sports. They can sponsor athletes, build sports infrastructure, and provide support for training and development.
8. Better Governance: Sports associations and governing bodies should be transparent and efficient. Mismanagement and corruption can hinder the growth of sports in the country.
9. Long-term Planning: Developing Olympic champions is a long-term process. India needs to set realistic targets and plan for several Olympic cycles.
10. Promotion of Indigenous Sports: India has a rich tradition of indigenous sports and games. Promoting these can not only boost the country’s medal count but also preserve its cultural heritage.
11. Public Awareness and Support: Creating a culture of support for Olympic athletes is vital. The public can contribute by attending events, watching and promoting Olympic sports, and cheering for Indian athletes.
12. International Exposure: Athletes need exposure to international competitions to gain experience and improve their skills. This can be achieved by participating in international events and hosting international tournaments.
13. Data Analytics and Sports Science: Implementing data analytics and sports science to track and enhance athletes’ performance can be a game-changer.

It’s worth noting that improvements take time, and success at the Olympics is the result of sustained efforts over many years. Many of these factors are interconnected, and addressing them collectively can help India perform better at the Olympics and other international sporting events.

WAY FORWARD

To develop a sporting culture in India, key steps and considerations include:

• Recognizing and leveraging the country’s strengths in specific sports.
• Establishing specialized sports clusters in different regions.
• Initiating early sports training, starting from a young age.
• Creating local sports clubs at the community level.
• Changing parental attitudes to support sports development.
• Government initiatives such as Mohalla Sports Clubs and infrastructure investment.
• Identifying and nurturing young talent.
• Promoting sports role models.
• Raising awareness about the benefits of sports and physical fitness.
• Integrating sports and academics.
• Adopting a holistic approach to athlete development.
• Fostering a cultural shift where sports are embraced and celebrated.
• This would require a collaborative effort from the government, private sector, sports associations, and the public.