Despite internal challenges within IOA, commitment to host 2036 Olympics remains firm: PT Usha

Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha on Tuesday asserted that her organization is committed to hosting the 2036 Summer Games despite the “internal challenges” it faces due to its tussle with Executive Council members. Their commitment “remains steadfast”. Usha is embroiled in a bitter battle with the 12 EC members who have refused to ratify the appointment of Raghuram Iyer as IOA CEO by her in January. “Despite some internal challenges within the IOA, our commitment to hosting the 2036 Summer Games remains firm. The IOA is in constant touch with the IOC and I hope that India will receive a compassionate response,” Usha said in a video sent by IOA. Will be seen as the host.” By his office.

India has submitted a 'Letter of Intent' expressing its desire to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games to the International Olympic Committee's Future Host Commission, taking the first concrete step in an ambitious plan after months of informal talks with the IOC. .

According to a Sports Ministry source, this letter was submitted by the IOA on October 1.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi last year first talked about his government's aspiration to host the 2036 Olympics.

“During the IOC session last year, our Prime Minister Narendra Modi put forward his vision of India hosting the Summer Olympics and Paralympics in 2036. Since then we have met with IOC President Thomas Bach and officials of the future host Commission. Maintained regular communication.” Usha said.

“We are also engaged in a fruitful discussion with the IOC during the Paris Olympics. Our officials participated in the Executive Program and Observer Program organized by the IOC during the Paris Olympics.

“These conversations and learnings led to our submission of our letter of intent to host the 2036 Games in India in early October this year.” The host will not be decided before the IOC elections next year and India will also face competition from several other countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey, who are projecting themselves as strong contenders to host the sporting extravaganza. Are.

However, with the submission of the 'Letter of Intent', the nation host has moved from the “informal dialogue” to the “continuous dialogue” phase of the election process.

In this phase, the IOC conducts a “feasibility study” of the progress of projects related to the Games in the potential host.

The next stage of the process will be the “Targeted Dialogue”, which will require the submission of a version-specific formal bid, which will be evaluated by the future host Commission.

This process will ultimately conclude with the host election.