IOC Flags IOA Governance, Doping Concerns As India Pitches To Host 2036 Olympics: Report
A high-level Indian delegation, led by IOA President PT Usha, Gujarat Sports Minister Harsh Sanghavi, and senior officials, recently visited the IOC headquarters in Lausanne
India's bid to host the 2036 Olympics has entered the early stages of dialogue with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), but top officials have raised critical concerns over governance issues within the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and the country's growing doping violations, reported Hindustan Times.
A high-level Indian delegation, led by IOA President PT Usha, Gujarat Sports Minister Harsh Sanghavi, and senior officials from the Union Sports Ministry, recently visited the IOC headquarters in Lausanne to initiate the 'continuous dialogue" process. India is pitching Ahmedabad as the host city, projecting the country's vast youth population and growing economic influence as key strategic advantages.
However, IOC officials, including Director General Christophe De Kepper and Olympic Games Executive Director Christophe Dubi, reportedly underscored two major areas requiring urgent reform. 'The IOC has told the Indian delegation that governance issues within the IOA must be resolved swiftly and in alignment with national sports federations and the central government," sources told HT. They also flagged the rising incidence of doping in Indian sport, calling for 'strong anti-doping measures" to be adopted immediately.
According to World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) data cited in the report, India recorded the highest number of adverse analytical findings globally in 2023, with 213 cases. The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) also topped the global list in 2022 with 125 such cases, making India the only country to cross the 100 mark that year.
Despite these challenges, the Indian delegation highlighted the potential of the Games to engage over 600 million Indian youth and become a 'generational springboard" for development, innovation, and pride. With the transition of IOC leadership from Thomas Bach to Kirsty Coventry, India is hoping to seize the moment to strengthen its Olympic ambitions.
First Published:
July 04, 2025, 07:16 IST
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