Frequently asked questions
Clear answers to common questions about India's interest in hosting the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Which city is India proposing for the 2036 Olympics?
India has expressed interest in hosting the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games, with Ahmedabad in Gujarat named as the proposed candidate city. If a bid succeeds, it would be the first time the Olympic Games are held in India. The process involves extended dialogue with the International Olympic Committee rather than a single announcement.
Has India ever hosted the Olympic Games before?
India has not previously hosted the Summer or Winter Olympic Games, though it has staged other major multi-sport events such as the Asian Games and the Commonwealth Games. Hosting the Olympics would therefore be a first for the country. That is part of what makes the 2036 ambition so significant.
How does a country win the right to host the Olympics?
Under the current approach, the International Olympic Committee works with interested hosts through a continuous dialogue rather than a fixed head-to-head vote on a set date. Factors considered include venues, sustainability, legacy plans and alignment with the aims of the Olympic movement. Because the process can evolve, it is best to follow official updates for the latest position.
What could hosting the Olympics mean for sport in India?
Supporters argue that a Games could accelerate investment in stadiums, coaching, grassroots participation and athlete support that outlast the event itself. The lasting value often depends on how well facilities and programmes are used after the closing ceremony. Experience from past host cities shows both strong legacies and costly missteps.
What is the difference between the Olympic and Paralympic Games?
The Olympic Games and the Paralympic Games are separate events held in the same host city, with the Paralympics featuring athletes with disabilities and following shortly after the Olympics. A host commits to staging both. Planning for accessibility and para-sport is therefore part of any modern bid.