Date : 26/10/2023

Relevance –GS Paper 2- International Relations - Soft Power

Keywords –Indus Valley Civilization, Olympic Game, Soft Power, Sporting Prowess, India's Sporting Heritage

Context

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi signaled India's intentions to host the Olympic Games in 2036 when he addressed the opening ceremony of the historic International Olympic Committee session in Mumbai. India would be the fourth Asian country to host the Games if the bid is successful.
• He also mentioned India’s ambition to host the Youth Olympics in 2029 although the quadrennial event is currently scheduled for 2030. If India does manage to outbid the competition, it will be the first big-ticket multi-discipline sporting event in the country since the controversy-marred Commonwealth Games (CWG) in 2010.

The Historical Significance of Sports in India

• Role in Indian Culture: Sports have played an integral role in Indian culture, deeply ingrained in the nation's social fabric. In Indian villages, sporting events are often an integral part of festivals, underscoring the cultural importance of sports. India not only embraces sports but also embodies them, with a deep-rooted connection that extends beyond mere enthusiasm. It signifies a universal language and spirit that transcends barriers, uniting people through the love of sports.
• Ancient Sporting Legacy: India's historical relationship with sports dates back to ancient times, with significant evidence of sporting prowess during periods like the Indus Valley civilization and the Vedic era. Ancient scriptures document a wide array of sports, including horse riding, swimming, archery, and wrestling, reflecting the diversity of athletic activities in early India. Notable examples include the Dholavira UNESCO World Heritage site in Gujarat, which provides insights into India's ancient sporting infrastructure. Similarly, discoveries in Rakhigarhi have unveiled structures associated with sports, further confirming the historical importance of athletics in India's heritage.
• Modern Initiatives for Sports Development: In contemporary times, India has taken proactive steps to foster sports development and nurture emerging talent. Initiatives like the Khelo India Games and the Khelo India Youth Games are notable examples of efforts aimed at promoting sports at the grassroots level. it has not organized a large-scale multi-discipline sporting event since the Commonwealth Games (CWG) in 2010, which was marred by controversies. Before the 2010 CWG, India had previously hosted the 2003 Afro-Asian Games, the Asian Games in 1951 and 1982, and the 2007 World Military Games.

Revamped Olympic Host Selection Process Empowers India to Compete

In the past, selecting an Olympic host city followed a complex and time-consuming process. Interested cities, through their respective national Olympic committees, would submit a letter of interest to the IOC to initiate a multi-year, multi-step evaluation process. Unfortunately, this process often led to excessive spending, financial debts, corruption, and scandals among bidding cities.

The new approach prioritizes three main aspects: flexibility, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness, guided by the motto 'The Games adapt to the region, the region does not adapt to the Games.'

• Flexibility in Host City Selection: The new process introduced greater flexibility by eliminating the seven-year rule. This flexibility is evident in examples like Paris and Los Angeles, which secured hosting rights for 2024 and 2028 through a tripartite agreement in 2017, providing Los Angeles with 11 years to prepare. Similarly, Brisbane was named the host for the 2032 edition in 2021, 11 years ahead of time. The new process involves a two-stage approach: continuous dialogue and targeted dialogue, without fixed deadlines.
• Continuous Dialogue: It involves discussions between the IOC's Future Hosts Commission (FHC) and interested parties regarding the host's vision for the Games, its purpose, and its long-term legacy. This stage encourages innovation, and the FHC includes athletes, international federations, national Olympic committees, and the International Paralympic Committee. Unlike in the past, Games can be planned to be held across multiple cities or even in conjunction with another country. Importantly, even if a party's bid is rejected, they can continue the dialogue for future events.
• Targeted Dialogue: In the targeted dialogue phase, bids become more determined. While there's no specific time frame, it is expected not to exceed 12 months. This phase explores the proposals for hosting a specific edition of the Olympic Games and involves detailed discussions with the IOC's executive board. Following this, the FHC prepares an advisory report for the executive board, which can recommend a single host or shortlist multiple hosts for elections by the IOC members.
• Sustainability and Cost-Effectiveness: The new approach places a strong emphasis on sustainability and cost-effectiveness. It encourages hosts to use existing and temporary venues whenever possible. This focus on using existing and temporary venues has had a significant impact on bid budgets. For instance, the 2026 Winter Games saw an 80% decrease in bid budgets compared to the 2018 and 2022 editions due to this approach. For the 2028 Games, Los Angeles claimed not to build any new infrastructure, while Paris aimed to use 95% of existing or temporary venues for the 2024 Games. The IOC also provides technical support and expertise to 'preferred host(s)' on marketing, venue development, and sustainability to reduce costs.

Countries Interested in Hosting the 2036 Games

As of now, there are at least five confirmed countries interested in hosting the 2036 Games, and nine others are reportedly in various stages of preparations and discussions internally and with the IOC. Apart from India other countries are-

1. Mexico: Mexico's bid is spread across four cities, namely Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Tijuana. Mexico has hosted the Games previously in 1968.
2. Indonesia: Indonesia's bid is centered around the new capital of Nusantara, which is still under construction.
3. Turkey: Istanbul, Turkey, has expressed its interest in hosting the 2036 Games.
4. Poland: Poland, with Warsaw as its potential host city, is also in the running.

The Significance of Hosting the Olympics for India

• Soft Power Projection: Hosting the Olympics provides India with a potent instrument of soft power projection. This influence, often seen in post-World War Europe, post-apartheid South Africa, and Brazil, enables a nation to shape its international image, establish diplomatic relationships, and promote cultural and economic exchanges. India, by aiming to host the Olympics, seeks to leverage this soft power to enhance its global standing and influence.
• Image Restoration: India's aspiration to host the Olympics is intrinsically linked to the desire to repair and rejuvenate its global image, particularly in light of the issues faced during the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games. By successfully hosting the Olympics, India can demonstrate its capacity to organize large-scale international events efficiently, showcasing its progress and competence to the world.
• Alignment with Global Ambitions: The bid for the 2036 Olympics aligns seamlessly with India's broader global ambitions. As a rising economic and political power, India is eyeing a seat on the United Nations Security Council and the presidency of the G-20. Hosting the Olympics serves as a tangible manifestation of its global aspirations, reinforcing its credentials on the world stage and fostering closer ties with other nations.
• Confidence Boost from Sporting Achievements: India's recent achievements in the sporting arena have injected a considerable dose of confidence into the nation. The remarkable performance at the Asian Games, where India secured 107 medals, has not only demonstrated its sporting prowess but has also fueled a sense of self-assuredness. This success serves as a powerful motivator, further propelling India's pursuit of hosting the Olympics and reaffirming its belief in its capabilities.

Way Forward

India should draw from its rich sporting legacy, combine it with modern sports infrastructure and financial prudence, and leverage its aspirations with strategic planning. For example, using sports infrastructure built during the Commonwealth Games and pushing cricket inclusion in the Olympics can generate a large chunk of revenue.

Conclusion:

The new approach, introduced under the Olympic Agenda 2020, has eliminated the rigid seven-year rule and introduced continuous and targeted dialogues. This new approach encourages potential hosts to focus on using existing and temporary venues, leading to significant cost reductions. India's bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games, along with other interested countries, presents an exciting opportunity for the future of the Olympic Movement. While India has a rich history of hosting sporting events, the 2036 Games would be a significant milestone and a testament to the evolving selection process that promotes adaptability and long-term sustainability. As discussions and preparations continue, the world awaits the announcement of the host city for the 2036 Olympic Games.

Source – The Hindu