India has laid out its vision for hosting the 2036 Olympics in Ahmedabad, promising the first Games on the subcontinent would “inspire millions” to play sport and transform “every part of our society”.

Ahmedabad is among the favourites to stage the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 10 years’ time but faces competition from Doha, Munich, Budapest, Istanbul and bids from South Korea and South Africa. Candidates have until the end of the month to declare interest.

The Indian Olympic Association has called its manifesto “Rising Together” and argues that hosting the quadrennial multi-sport extravaganzas would elevate both the country and the Olympic movement.

“For us, ‘Rising Together’ is not simply a slogan – it is a powerful commitment to unite India’s energy, ambition and diversity behind a shared Olympic dream,” said IOA president PT Usha.

“As we develop our vision for 2036, we want to create a Games that reflects the confidence of a young, dynamic  and rising India, while contributing to the Olympic and Paralympic Movements’ ambition to reach new generations, new communities and new horizons around the world.”

Ahmedabad – known locally as Amdavad – is set to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games in a bid to burnish its credentials. Its centrepiece is the 132,000-capacity Narendra Modi Stadium, the world’s largest cricket stadium, while the city’s Veer Savarkar Sports Complex houses an indoor arena and aquatics centre.

India increasing sport interests amid Olympic bid

India is the world’s fastest growing major economy, with GDP forecast to increase by 6.5-7 per cent this year. It is also emerging as a major sport investor both at home and overseas, where some of its richest families have invested in Liverpool FC, NBA teams and franchise cricket leagues including The Hundred in the last 18 months alone.

Prospective 2036 hosts will present to the International Olympic Committee next month, with two or three preferred bidders expected to be selected to progress to formal negotiations in March 2027.

“India’s ambition for 2036 is rooted in a simple idea: that sport can help shape the future of our nation,” said sports minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya.

“Hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games would inspire millions of young Indians to participate in sport, strengthen healthier and more active communities, and create new opportunities for our youth across education, employment and social development. 

“By bringing the Games to India, we can accelerate a sporting transformation that reaches every part of our society – and, in doing so, open a powerful new chapter for the Olympic Movement in one of the world’s most dynamic nations.”