‘Rising Together’: India unveils vision for 2036 Olympics and Paralympics bid

NEW DELHI: India has introduced "Rising Together" as its vision for the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games bid, according to Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha. The country's IOA presentation to the IOC's Future Host Commission is set for late October. India is among seven nations currently discussing hosting rights with the IOC, which include Germany, Hungary, Qatar, South Africa, and Türkiye.

Ahmedabad is the country's proposed host city, following a previous Expression of Interest submitted to host the Games in 2024. "Rising Together" encapsulates India's Olympic ambition, which the IOA believes can drive transformative change in the nation. Mandaviya emphasized that the Games could inspire millions of young Indians to engage in sports, while strengthening healthier communities and opening up new opportunities for youth in education, employment, and social development.

Usha stated that "Rising Together" signifies more than a slogan—it is a commitment to unite India's energy, ambition, and diversity in pursuit of a shared Olympic dream. She added that the vision aims to create a Games reflecting India's confidence, dynamism, and diversity, while contributing to the Olympic and Paralympic movements' ambition to engage new generations, communities, and horizons worldwide.

The IOC's selection process will evaluate prospective hosts on technical factors such as venue master plans, athlete experience, funding strategies, political and public support, Games delivery capabilities, and legacy plans designed to benefit host communities long-term. The IOA affirmed that "Rising Together" reflects its belief that hosting the Games can catalyze India's sporting transformation.

The IOA expects hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games to inspire millions of young people to transition from spectators to participants, promote healthier, more active communities, and serve as a driver for education and professional opportunities. The IOC will shortlist interested parties in March 2027, with selected projects progressing to Strategic Dialogue. Final host selection is anticipated in mid-2029 following the 2028 Targeted Dialogue.