The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 31st August 2024

A Game Plan for India's Success as 2036 Olympic Host

Why in News?

In his Independence Day speech at the Red Fort this August, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that it is India's aspiration to host the 2036 Olympic Games.

• He mentioned that plans are already underway to make this dream a reality.
• This announcement is quite bold, considering that India has never hosted the Olympics before.
• Historically, India has not performed well in the global sports scene.
• Additionally, the country has limited infrastructure for world-class track and field events.

What is the Procedure of Selecting a Host City for Olympics?

• Traditional System:
  • Cities would send a letter of interest to the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
  • This process included a long, multi-year evaluation with several steps.
  • Host cities were chosen seven years ahead of the event.
  • This often led to problems like excessive spending, debt, corruption, and scandals.
• New Approach: Olympic Agenda 2020:
  • In 2013, Thomas Bach became the president of the IOC and launched the Olympic Agenda 2020, which serves as a plan for the future of the Olympic Movement.
  • The agenda was approved in 2014 during an IOC meeting.
  • A major part of this agenda was the 'new norm' for choosing host cities, which was officially accepted in 2019 at an IOC session in Lausanne, Switzerland.
  • This change replaced the strict seven-year rule for selecting hosts with more flexibility.
  • It focused on being sustainable, cost-effective, and adaptable, promoting the idea that "The Games adapt to the region, the region does not adapt to the Games."
  • The selection process now has two parts: continuous dialogue and targeted dialogue.
  • Continuous dialogue allows for flexible plans without specific deadlines.
  • Targeted dialogue lasts up to 12 months and involves detailed discussions, guarantees, and an advisory report.

What are the Significant Aspects Associated with the Olympics?

• Olympics are a worldwide sports event that takes place every four years. 
•  The main goals of the Olympics are to help people grow through sports and to support global peace. 
•  The Olympics consists of the following: 
  • Summer Games
  • Winter Games
  • Youth Olympic Games

History and Origin

• The Olympics have a history that dates back around 3,000 years to Ancient Greece, particularly in the Peloponnese region.
• Although the exact starting date is not known, the year 776 BC is often highlighted as a significant time in history.
• The first modern Olympic Games were held in Athens, Greece in 1896, inspired by the ideas of Pierre de Coubertin

Olympic Rings

• The Olympic symbol consists of five interlocking rings in different colors: blue, yellow, black, green, and red, set against a white background.
• These rings symbolize the five continents of the world.
• They represent the unity and diversity of nations as they come together through sports.

Upcoming Events:

• Winter Olympics 2026: Milan-Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy
• Summer Olympics 2028: Los Angeles, USA
• Summer Olympics 2032: Brisbane, Australia

Note: All editions of the Olympic Games from 2030 onwards must also adhere to the IOC's climate positive commitment, reducing bid budgets.

What are the International Multi Sporting Events Hosted by India?

• Asian Games: 1951 and 1982
• Commonwealth Games: 2010
• South Asian Games: 1987, 1995, 2016.