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Olympics

Is India ready to host the Olympics?

An analysis of the sports infrastructure currently present in India offers a grim reality check to the aspirations of hosting the 2036 Olympics.

Is India ready to host the Olympics?
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Paris Olympics (Photo credit: Greg Martin)

By

Arjun Mylvahanan

Published: 24 Aug 2024 11:42 AM GMT

India’s ambitions at the Olympics extend beyond simply winning more medals in various sporting events.

“Our goal is to host the 2036 Olympics on Indian soil. We are preparing for this and making significant progress toward it,” said Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Independence Day address from the Red Fort in Delhi on August 15.

It is no secret that India is keenly eyeing the prospect of hosting the 2036 Olympics. While this ambition could signal India’s rapid progress in the global economy, a closer look at the current sports infrastructure reveals a more challenging reality.

As Indian athletes begin preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and the government intensifies efforts to position India for a potential 2036 hosting opportunity, let us examine the current state of our sports infrastructure.

Only 10.4% of facilities are Olympics level

According to an analysis by Business Standards, only 10.4% of the sports facilities in India meet Olympic standards.

While this figure does not account for upcoming sports infrastructure projects, it presents a challenging starting point. The Khelo India dashboard reveals that out of 15,822 completed sports facilities, only 1,645 meet Olympic standards.

Additionally, of the 20,823 sports facilities across 737 districts in India, only 2,473 adhere to Olympic standards.

These facilities are concentrated in just 334 districts, less than half of the country’s total districts.

(Photo Credit: https://playfield.kheloindia.gov.in/)

State-to-state disparity in sports infrastructure

Significant state-to-state disparity exists in the availability of Olympic-standard sports infrastructure in India. According to the Khelo India playfield repository, Tamil Nadu leads with nearly 390 Olympic-standard sports facilities. Delhi follows with approximately 161, and Odisha has 153.

A closer look at Tamil Nadu’s facilities reveals that volleyball courts are the most numerous, with 111 courts, followed by 92 athletic tracks and field arenas, and 71 football pitches.

This disparity can be attributed to varying levels of development across states. Since sports are a state subject, funding levels can differ greatly. The Union government also allocates funds to states to improve sports infrastructure

(Photo Credit: Business standard)

Since the Khelo India scheme began in 2017-18, Uttar Pradesh has received the highest amount of funding, totaling Rs. 438.3 crore, though it has 71 Olympic-level sports facilities.

Gujarat is a close second with Rs. 426.1 crore in funding, and while it has only 43 Olympic-level facilities, it boasts 18 multi-sports complexes and enclaves managed by state, central government, and private entities.

Despite the absence of an official announcement on the host city for the Olympics, Gujarat is preparing as a potential frontrunner. The state has allocated nearly Rs. 6,000 crore to develop six sports complexes in anticipation of a successful bid for the 2036 Olympics.

Interestingly, Bihar, Arunachal Pradesh, and Meghalaya currently lack any Olympic-standard sports infrastructure.

Badminton leads the way

When examining sports infrastructure on a sport-by-sport basis, badminton leads with 314 Olympic-level facilities nationwide, followed by football with 301, and volleyball with 270. Athletics has 221 facilities, while basketball rounds out the top five with 197.

As India prepares to host the Olympics, it must not only build the necessary infrastructure but also invest in each sporting discipline and its athletes. This investment is crucial to ensure that, by 2036, India will have a strong team of medal contenders.

The recent Paris Olympics saw India falling short of expectations, finishing with just six medals and a 71st place in the points table. This performance highlights the need for greater focus on improving sports disciplines. While badminton has a solid foundation, other sports like volleyball, athletics, and basketball have yet to reach their full potential.

With the Paris Olympics concluding and the focus shifting to Los Angeles, it is clear that substantial work is needed. For India to be a strong candidate for hosting the Olympics and to achieve better results on the global stage, significant efforts in sports development and athlete preparation are essential.

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