Gujarat is rapidly moving towards becoming the host city for the 2036 Olympic Games. Ahmedabad, the state’s cultural and economic hub, is at the forefront of this initiative. On October 1, 2024, India will formally submit a letter of intent to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to bid for the prestigious event. Gujarat is seen as a strong contender for hosting this grand event.
The government of Gujarat has developed robust policies for sports development, under the motto ‘Khelshe Gujarat, Jeetshe Gujarat’ (Gujarat will play, Gujarat will win). Modern sports complexes are being constructed to support this vision. Rising athletes from the state are already making significant achievements at national and international levels, boosting India’s chances of shining at the 2036 Olympics.
The Sports Authority of Gujarat aims to prepare future medalists through its sports complexes. Currently, there are 30 operational sports complexes at the district and taluka levels across Gujarat. Additionally, 20 sports hostels provide training facilities and accommodation for around 4,000 athletes.
In the next phase, the Sports Authority will strengthen the sports infrastructure by establishing 31 new sports complexes across 13 districts, including Amreli, Anand, Bharuch, and Jamnagar. This expansion aims to significantly increase the number of athletes winning medals for the state.
The sports complexes and high-performance centers in Gujarat offer training and guidance in various sports. Experienced coaching staff provide support for disciplines such as volleyball, athletics, swimming, archery, wrestling, kabaddi, judo, basketball, table tennis, badminton, football, hockey, and kho kho.
To ensure the Olympic Games 2036 are a success, the Gujarat government has established the Gujarat Sports Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (GSID). This body will build six sports complexes with a budget of 6,000 crores. New sports facilities will also be created in areas like Pathapur and GIFT City, allowing Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar to host more than 80% of the Olympic events.
These developments have created a strong platform for emerging athletes. The ‘Shaktidoot’ scheme provides financial support and training assistance to athletes, helping them excel in national and international competitions.
Athletes trained at Gujarat’s sports complexes have already made their mark at events like the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics. Facilities at the Sports Authority of Gujarat’s complexes include training and coaching support, high-performance centers, synthetic athletic tracks, strength and endurance rooms, psychology rooms, and multi-purpose halls. Additionally, athletes receive financial aid, educational support, and exposure to tournaments.
Ahmedabad’s urban infrastructure is well-suited for hosting the Olympics. The city has operational facilities like the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) and Metro rail services, which simplify local transportation. A bullet train service between Ahmedabad and Mumbai is also expected to commence in the coming years.
Major attractions for the Olympics include the Narendra Modi Stadium, the largest cricket stadium in the world, which can accommodate 110,000 spectators. It is an ideal venue for the opening and closing ceremonies. Nearby, the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave is under construction, set to include ten new stadiums and serve as an Olympic village for 3,000 athletes.
The Sabarmati Riverfront is also undergoing development, with plans for Olympic-standard infrastructure for water sports. An advanced sports complex in Naranpura is ready to host Olympic-level events.
In summary, the Gujarat government is committed to promoting sports through various initiatives. The updated sports policy, introduced in 2023, aims to provide training and facilities to athletes from grassroots to international levels. The ‘Khel Mahakumbh’ is a significant state-level sports event that encourages participation from millions of youth across Gujarat.
The future looks bright for Gujarat as it prepares to showcase its athletic talent on a global stage at the 2036 Olympics.
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