The Indian Olympics Game Model: Lessons from Global Precedents for a 2036 Bid

Abstract

As the Indian Olympic Association submitted a letter of intent to the International Olympic Committee to bid for the 2036 Summer Olympic Games, recognising the absence of an established national framework to assess its feasibility and developmental implications, this study aimed to evaluate whether hosting the Olympics can stimulate sustainable national development. The research employed a qualitative, comparative case-study approach by examining historical precedents from previous host nations, using official documents from the International Olympic Committee, academic literature, independent indices, and media analyses to evaluate four interrelated dimensions of infrastructure and urban transformation; economic growth and employment; diplomatic capital and global branding; and sports culture and legacy building. The results suggested that while the Olympics can deliver substantial benefits in terms of international visibility, urban renewal, and youth engagement, such outcomes are not automatic and depend heavily on governance capacity, fiscal discipline, and long-term legacy planning. Thereafter, this paper proposes an “Indian Olympic Games Model” emphasising a multi-city hosting framework, public–private investment synergies, and sustainability-led infrastructure design. Ultimately, the study highlights that India’s Olympic aspiration represents both a transformative opportunity and a structural challenge, contingent upon evidence-based planning and institutional coordination.