The Olympic Games are one of the most prestigious sporting events in the world, showcasing global unity, athletic excellence, and cultural pride. India, a country with a deep history in sports and a growing international presence, is aiming to host the Olympics in 2036. While the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has not yet finalized the host, India has already begun highlighting its capability to organize such a mega-event.

Several Indian cities are in the spotlight, preparing or proposing infrastructure upgrades, sports facilities, and international-standard venues. Let’s dive into the top 10 cities preparing for Olympics 2036 in India, and explore why they are potential hosts.

1. Ahmedabad, Gujarat

Ahmedabad is the front-runner in India’s Olympic bid. The Gujarat government has already showcased plans for a state-of-the-art Olympic Stadium in Motera, which is expected to be one of the largest multi-sport facilities in Asia. The Narendra Modi Stadium, currently the world’s largest cricket stadium, demonstrates Ahmedabad’s potential to host mega international events.

• Why Ahmedabad?

  • Modern sports infrastructure (Narendra Modi Stadium).

  • Proposed Olympic Village and training centers.

  • International connectivity via Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.

  • Political and economic support from Gujarat’s government.

Ahmedabad is widely believed to be the official nomination city for India’s bid to host the 2036 Olympics.

2. New Delhi

As India’s capital, New Delhi has experience hosting global sporting events such as the 1982 Asian Games and the 2010 Commonwealth Games. The city has a strong base of sports complexes like Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, and Dhyan Chand National Stadium.

• Why New Delhi?

  • Proven experience in hosting international tournaments.

  • Extensive metro and road networks for smooth connectivity.

  • Existing infrastructure that requires modernization rather than new construction.

New Delhi could serve as a supporting venue for several Olympic sports.

3. Mumbai, Maharashtra

Mumbai, India’s financial capital, is also in the running as a prime Olympic city. Known for hosting the International Olympic Committee session in 2023, Mumbai is already gaining international attention.

• Why Mumbai?

  • Excellent international connectivity with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.

  • Luxury hotels, transport, and hospitality infrastructure.

  • Potential to construct world-class aquatic centers and indoor arenas.

  • Strong corporate sponsorship opportunities due to Mumbai’s financial status.

Mumbai is expected to play a major role in India’s Olympic bid alongside Ahmedabad.

4. Bengaluru, Karnataka

Bengaluru, India’s technology hub, is also emerging as a sports city. With a young, energetic population and international appeal, it’s seen as a city that can combine sports with innovation and technology.

• Why Bengaluru?

  • Home to sports startups and technology-driven training facilities.

  • Potential to host esports, tech-driven Olympic events, and athletics.

  • Kempegowda International Airport ensures global access.

  • Supportive government initiatives toward sports development.

Bengaluru could host events like athletics, tennis, and indoor sports.

5. Kolkata, West Bengal

Kolkata is one of India’s most passionate sporting cities, with a historic love for football and cricket. The iconic Eden Gardens Stadium already ranks among the best cricket stadiums in the world.

• Why Kolkata?

  • Rich sporting culture (football, cricket, athletics).

  • Huge fan base and spectator support.

  • Infrastructure projects under West Bengal’s sports ministry.

  • Easy connectivity via Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport.

Kolkata could host football, hockey, and athletics events during the Olympics.

6. Hyderabad, Telangana

Hyderabad has gained global recognition for producing badminton champions like P.V. Sindhu and Saina Nehwal. With the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium and other international venues, it is positioning itself as a badminton and indoor sports hub.

• Why Hyderabad?

  • World-class training academies in badminton, tennis, and shooting.

  • Good urban infrastructure and metro services.

  • Strong IT and business community backing.

Hyderabad could specialize in hosting badminton, shooting, and indoor athletics.

7. Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Chennai, the cultural capital of South India, is also a strong contender. Known for its tennis heritage (Chennai Open), it has good infrastructure for water and indoor sports.

• Why Chennai?

  • Experienced in hosting international tournaments.

  • Proximity to the Bay of Bengal makes it suitable for water sports.

  • Good international connectivity through Chennai International Airport.

Chennai could host aquatic and tennis events.

8. Pune, Maharashtra

Pune, with its large student population and sports culture, is another city on the Olympic radar. It already houses the Balewadi Sports Complex, which has hosted the 2008 Commonwealth Youth Games.

• Why Pune?

  • Strong academic and sports research background.

  • Established sports facilities needing upgrades.

  • Close proximity to Mumbai, enabling a joint hosting model.

Pune could serve as a secondary hub for athletics, hockey, and youth sports.

9. Bhubaneswar, Odisha

Bhubaneswar has rapidly grown into India’s hockey capital, with Kalinga Stadium becoming a favorite venue for international hockey tournaments. Odisha’s government has heavily invested in sports infrastructure in recent years.

• Why Bhubaneswar?

  • Specialized hockey infrastructure.

  • Consistent hosting of FIH Hockey World Cups.

  • Government-backed investment in sports development.

Bhubaneswar is almost certain to host hockey matches if India wins the Olympic bid.

10. Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

Lucknow, with its newly developing infrastructure, is a dark horse candidate. The state government of Uttar Pradesh is investing heavily in stadiums and urban transformation.

• Why Lucknow?

  • Growing sports infrastructure.

  • Support from India’s most populous state.

  • Potential to host wrestling, boxing, and indoor sports.

Lucknow may not lead the bid but could serve as an important supporting city.

Conclusion

India’s dream of hosting the Olympics 2036 is ambitious but achievable. With Ahmedabad likely to be the official bid city, other major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad are expected to play crucial roles in supporting the games. These cities are not just preparing stadiums but also transforming infrastructure, transport, and hospitality to meet Olympic standards.

If India succeeds, the Olympics 2036 will not only boost sports but also place India on the global map as a hub for unity, culture, and world-class event management.