IOA’s internal dispute won’t be hurdle for India to host 2036 Olympics, says PT Usha

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India have officially expressed a desire to stage the Summer Olympics and Paralympics by submitting a ‘letter of intent’, confirmed IOA president PT Usha

Union Home Minister Amit Shah during a meeting with Indian Olympic Association President PT Usha. (PTI Photo)

New Delhi: India remain determined to host the Olympics in 2036 despite the Indian Olympics Association’s internal squabbles, president PT Usha said on Tuesday.

After months of informal dialogues with the International Olympic Committee, India have officially expressed a desire to stage the Summer Olympics and Paralympics by submitting a ‘letter of intent’ last month.

It is the first concrete step in India’s ambitious plan championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who spoke about it for the first time last year.

“During the IOC session last year, our PM Narendra Modi put forward his vision of India hosting the Summer Olympics and Paralympics in 2036. Since then we have maintained regular communication with the IOC president Thomas Bach and the officials of the Future Host Commission,” Usha said.

“We are also engaged in a productive discussion with the IOC during the Paris Olympics. Our officials attended the executive programme and observer programme organised by the IOC during Paris Olympics.

“These interactions and learnings led to the submission of our letter of intent to host the 2036 Games in India in the early October this year.”

Challenges

India face stiff competition from countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey, with a decision expected to be taken after the IOC elections next year.

As past of the review process, the IOC will undertake feasibility studies in all the countries that have officially expressed interest.

Apart from infrastructural challenges, India also have internal issue that they need to sort out to make them real contenders.

At present, the IOA is marred by infighting with Usha pitted against 12 executive council members, who have declined to ratify the appointment of Raghuram Iyer as CEO.

Usha hired Iyer in January but 12 of the 14 members have objected to the move and have created hurdles in his functioning with no solution in sight.

“Despite some internal challenges within the IOA, our commitment to hosting the 2036 Summer Games remains steadfast. The IOA remained in continuous contact with the IOC and I am optimistic that India will be viewed as a gracious host,” Usha said in a video.

A journalist for 15 years, who keeps his eyes peeled on sporting events with a particular focus on football. Has worked at some of the most respected Indian media organisations including The Statesman, The Asian Age, IANS and Sports Illustrated. Ventured into books with ‘Box to box: 75 years of the Indian football team’, which he co-wrote and edited.

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