India has announced plans to host 29 international sporting events over the next two years as part of a wider effort to strengthen its bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games.
The plan is aimed at showing that India can organise large global competitions, manage international athletes and build the infrastructure needed for one of the world’s biggest sporting events. The government believes that hosting more international tournaments will help Indian athletes, sports officials, volunteers, stadium managers and local administrations gain practical experience before a possible Olympic bid.
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said India has already hosted 36 international events across 15 cities since last year. The new plan would take the total number of events to 65 by 2028, creating a stronger record of hosting major competitions.
India has been working to increase its presence in global sports. The country already hosts major cricket events, but the Olympic bid requires strong facilities and experience in many sports, including athletics, swimming, badminton, hockey, wrestling, boxing, shooting, football, cycling and gymnastics.
The 2036 Olympics bid is expected to focus heavily on Ahmedabad in Gujarat. The city has been identified as a major centre for India’s Olympic ambitions because of its growing sports infrastructure, road connectivity, airport facilities and urban development plans.
Ahmedabad is already confirmed to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. The city is also seeking to host the 2038 Asian Games. If these events are successfully organised, they could strengthen India’s case for the Olympics.
Hosting the Olympics is a major challenge. The event requires large stadiums, athlete villages, transport systems, hotels, security arrangements, medical facilities and technology networks. It also requires planning years in advance.
India’s government believes that hosting smaller international competitions first will help build the systems needed for bigger events. This includes training referees, coaches, sports administrators, volunteers and event-management teams.
For Indian athletes, more international events at home can reduce travel costs and provide better opportunities to compete against global players. Athletes often need to travel abroad for ranking tournaments and international exposure, which can be expensive.
When international tournaments are held in India, local athletes can compete in familiar conditions and receive support from home crowds. Young players may also get a chance to watch top-level athletes closely and learn from their performance.
India’s 2026 sports calendar is expected to include major events such as the Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships, the World Amateur Snooker Championship and international badminton competitions. These events will bring players, coaches, media teams and sports officials from different countries.
The government is also encouraging national sports federations to bid for more continental and world-level competitions. This could include events in athletics, wrestling, boxing, shooting, hockey, football and other Olympic sports.
India has already made progress in some Olympic disciplines. Indian athletes have won medals in shooting, badminton, wrestling, boxing, hockey, javelin throw and weightlifting in recent Olympic Games.
Neeraj Chopra’s success in javelin throw has helped increase interest in athletics. India’s men’s hockey team has also performed strongly at recent Olympics, while badminton and shooting continue to produce internationally competitive athletes.
However, India still faces major challenges in becoming a top Olympic nation. The country has a large population, but many young athletes do not have access to quality coaching, sports grounds, nutrition, equipment or medical support.
A successful Olympic bid would require investment not only in stadiums but also in grassroots sports. Schools, colleges and local sports academies would need better facilities so that talented children can be identified early.
Sports experts often say that medals are not created only at international events. They are built through years of coaching, training, nutrition, injury management and competition at the local level.
India’s plan to host more international events could also benefit tourism and local businesses. Hotels, restaurants, transport companies, event agencies and small businesses often receive more customers when major sports competitions take place.
International events can also improve a city’s global image. Television broadcasts, social-media coverage and visiting athletes can bring attention to local culture, tourism and infrastructure.
However, hosting large sporting events also requires careful financial planning. Stadiums and facilities must remain useful after the event is over. In some countries, expensive Olympic venues have become underused after the games.
India will need to ensure that new sports infrastructure is used by athletes, schools and local communities after major events are completed. This can help avoid waste and create long-term benefits.
The 2036 Olympics bid will also depend on competition from other countries. Several cities around the world may be interested in hosting the games. The International Olympic Committee will consider factors such as infrastructure, security, finance, sustainability and public support.
India’s Olympic dream is connected to a larger national goal of becoming a stronger sporting country. The government wants India to improve its medal count, develop sports science and create better career opportunities for athletes.
Hosting international events can help create confidence that India is ready for bigger responsibilities. It can also encourage private companies to invest in sports through sponsorships, academies and professional leagues.
The next two years will be important because the planned 29 events will show whether India can deliver international tournaments smoothly. Organisers will need to manage athlete accommodation, transport, security, broadcasting, ticketing and medical support.
If India successfully hosts these events, it could build a stronger case for the 2036 Olympics. Ahmedabad’s role in the 2030 Commonwealth Games will also be closely watched.
For now, the announcement signals that India is serious about its Olympic ambitions. The country is not only aiming to send athletes to the world’s biggest sporting events but also wants to become a host nation capable of welcoming the world.