India’s ambition to host the 2036 Olympics is a bold move, one that places the country’s organizational and infrastructural capabilities under global scrutiny. With its cultural diversity and emerging economic power, India has the potential to create a memorable event. However, delivering a seamless Games experience will demand more than just grandeur; it will require exceptional execution, attention to detail, and a significant overhaul of current standards in hospitality, logistics, and sports management.
The letter of intent submitted last month marks a starting point, yet it also highlights India’s need to align infrastructure and resources with international expectations. Merely building impressive stadiums won’t suffice; the country must prove it can maintain these facilities to top-notch standards. India's historical challenges in punctuality, cleanliness, and spectator comfort—evident even in cricket events—underscore the urgent need for a professional overhaul. Leaking roofs, poor quality control, and inadequate sustainable construction could quickly turn an Olympic dream into a nightmare.
India’s reputation in hospitality also faces a test. Creating a welcoming, cosmopolitan atmosphere for athletes and spectators from around the globe is essential. This means training staff and officials to uphold the highest standards of hospitality and respect for diverse cultural and personal identities, an area where India’s public image often falls short. Hosting the Olympics is not just about logistics but about embodying the Olympic spirit of inclusivity, unity, and respect.
Challenges related to climate resilience are another major concern. Recent monsoon flooding in major Indian cities revealed significant weaknesses in infrastructure and disaster preparedness. Ensuring athletes’ safe transit and secure venues amid potential adverse weather conditions will demand robust quality checks and preventive measures. Without this, India risks appearing unprepared for the unpredictable yet increasingly common impact of climate change on large events.
Moreover, India’s current athletic performance, with a mere six Olympic medals 12 years out from the proposed event, signals an urgent need for improvement in sports funding and training. Hosting the Olympics should come with a commitment to enhance Indian athletes’ competitiveness across diverse sports. Planned funding cuts in sports do not bode well for this vision.
While India’s global leadership and advocacy for a multipolar world make it a unique candidate, these strengths must translate into a concrete ability to host a world-class event. Every detail, from the sturdiness of a stadium roof to the timeliness of athlete transport, will reflect India’s commitment. Hosting the 2036 Olympics is within reach, but only if India can ensure it is not just a spectacle but also an exemplar of effective, reliable hosting.