Legendary athlete and Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha is in the midst of one of the most demanding phases of her career. While she is the face of India’s much-anticipated 2036 Olympics bid, her immediate focus is on a crucial deadline – formally submitting the bid papers for the 2030 Commonwealth Games (CWG) by the end of August.
On Wednesday, the IOA’s executive committee unanimously decided to bid for a full-scale 2030 CWG, unlike the scaled-down 2026 Glasgow edition.
The 2026 Glasgow CWG is scaled down because of circumstances. If we get 2030 CWG, it will be a full-fledged event – just like we hosted in 2010.
Ahmedabad in the Spotlight – But Not Alone
Ahmedabad is emerging as the frontrunner to host the 2030 CWG. If successful, the Games could act as a dress rehearsal for the 2036 Olympics.
We can’t confirm Ahmedabad as the host city yet. We have excellent facilities in Bhubaneswar and Delhi as well.
This fresh momentum is a sharp contrast to the administrative paralysis that plagued the IOA for more than two years.
Global Pitch for 2036
In early July, Usha led a high-powered delegation from the IOA and Union Sports Ministry to Lausanne to update the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on India’s 2036 Summer Games vision with Ahmedabad as a proposed host city.
It was a privilege to present India’s candidature. We discussed in detail the steps needed to strengthen our bid and have already set the ball rolling.
The Real Test: Performance, Not Just Infrastructure
Speaking exclusively to Telecom Asia Sport (www.telecomasia.net) ahead of the National Sports Bill tabling, Usha stressed that India’s biggest challenge will be excelling as hosts – not just building stadiums.
We aim to be in the top 10 within the next 10 years. A single gold can push India into the top 30, but we want many more.
Given India’s modest Olympic record – with Abhinav Bindra and Neeraj Chopra as its only individual gold medallists – matching previous host performances is a tall order. Japan and France finished fifth at Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024, while India secured just six medals in Paris, one short of their all-time best of seven.
With a bit of luck, we could have reached double digits in Paris. Our joint plan with SAI and MYAS is to turn fourth-place finishes into medals – especially golds.
IOC Delay Could Be India’s Advantage
In June, new IOC president Kirsty Coventry announced a pause in venue selection for 2036, allowing more member input. Could this work in India’s favour?
It’s the IOC’s decision, but even if the process begins in 2028–29, we would still have seven to eight years to prepare.
Beyond Mega Events – Building a Sports Nation
Usha concluded with a reminder that India’s sports infrastructure drive isn’t just for showpiece events: “This is a long-term investment to make world-class facilities accessible to every Indian, empowering athletes and fostering a vibrant sports culture.”
