India's 2036 Olympic dream: IOC pauses bidding process to figure out 'appropriate' time to elect host
(You can now subscribe to our
(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel
A decision on India's bid for the 2036 Olympics is set to take longer than expected as the International Olympic Committee 's new President Kirsty Coventry on Thursday announced a "pause" on the entire process and set up a working group to figure out the "appropriate time" to identify a future host.In an online press conference after taking over as the first woman and the first African President of the IOC, the former Olympic champion swimmer said the consensus among the members was to reassess the process. Earlier, a decision on the bid was expected next year."There was an overwhelming support from the IOC members for a pause to be done and a review of the future host election process and we will be setting up a working group to look into this," the 41-year-old Zimbabwean said after chairing her maiden executive board meeting in Lausanne."(This is) for two main reasons. Firstly, members want to be engaged more in the process and secondly there was a very big discussion on when should the next host be awarded," he added in her opening remarks after the two-day meeting.Coventry said the executive board members felt that the experience of already decided future hosts -- Los Angles (2028 Summer Games), Brisbane (2032 Summer Games), French Alps (2030 Winter Games) -- need to be studied before proceeding on future proposals."So there was a lot of discussion on when is the appropriate time to elect a future host. And also how we should be selecting a future host," she added referring to the relatively shorter "lead-up time" that French Alps got due to awarding of the rights only last year.India submitted a Letter of Intent to host the 2036 Games in October last year. A delegation, comprising high-ranking officials led by Sports Secretary Hari Ranjan Rao, is scheduled to be in Lausanne for informal talks on the issue next month.Coventry said that visit will proceed as scheduled."We want all interested parties to be a part of this pause and reflect and of this review. I am aware of the delegation coming next weekend that will continue. They might be the first interested party for us to ask a couple of questions and to better understand from them."There is not going to be a specific pause on that but just on the entire process," she said."We need to ensure that we have more membership engagement and also look at the timing. When is the most appropriate time, when is the best time, when is the most effective time (to decide an Olympic host)."What is the most effective way we are not going to overburden any of the stakeholders," she explained.She, however, acknowledged that the global south (comprising Africa, the subcontinent and parts of Latin America) has been under-represented in the Olympic host movement."I think the Global South, in terms of host cities, is not really represented at all. But my job is to ensure that policies are in place to allow anyone who has the ability to host the Games," she said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
an hour ago
- News18
Indian mens hockey team leaves for crucial four-match series in Australia
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], August 8 (ANI): The Indian men's hockey team departed for Australia in the early hours of Friday from Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, as they gear up for a crucial four-match series against the hosts. The series, set to take place at the Perth Hockey Stadium from August 15 to 21, will serve as vital preparation for the upcoming Hero Asia Cup 2025, scheduled in Rajgir, Bihar, later this tour is expected to provide the team with valuable match exposure against one of the world's top-ranked sides, allowing the coaching staff to fine-tune combinations and assess player form ahead of the continental two sides recently faced each other in the FIH Pro League 2024-25 in Europe, where Australia edged India 3-2 in both legs. However, India had earlier scripted a memorable 3-2 victory over the Kookaburras at the 2024 Paris Olympics — their first Olympic win over Australia since the 1972 Munich men's hockey team captain Harmanpreet Singh, speaking ahead of departure, said, as quoted from a press release by Hockey India, 'Playing Australia in their home conditions is always a great challenge, and that's exactly what we need at this stage of our preparations. We're treating this series as a key part of our build-up to the Asia Cup. The focus is on improving as a unit, pushing ourselves against strong opposition, and building the momentum we need going into Rajgir."'The mood in the camp has been really positive. We've had a good training block, and now it's time to translate that onto the field. These matches will help us identify areas we need to sharpen before the Asia Cup, and we're excited for the opportunity to play high-intensity hockey against Australia," he added. India will play four matches on August 15, 16, 19, and 21. The squad features a mix of experienced players and emerging talent, and will continue to be monitored closely as the final group for the Asia Cup is finalised. (ANI)
News18
an hour ago
- News18
I dream of playing in World Cup and Olympics: Manisha Kalyan
Guwahati, Aug 8 (PTI) Trailblazing Indian woman footballer Manisha Kalyan on Friday said she harbours the dream of playing in the FIFA World Cup and the Olympics, a belief that has been bolstered by the national team's qualification for the AFC Women's Asian Cup in Australia next year. Manisha, the only Indian footballer to have played in the UEFA Champions League for women, was the cynosure of all eyes at the ASMITA under-13 league for girls at Nehru Stadium here on Friday. She said ASMITA is a 'rare platform for young girls to realise their football dreams." 'I am still dreaming of playing in the FIFA World Cup and the Olympics and after we qualified for the AFC Women's Asian Cup in Australia next year, our belief has been bolstered," the 23-year-old Manisha told the eight teams taking part in the Guwahati leg of ASMITA aimed at scouting talent at the grassroots level across India. 'You now have a platform like ASMITA and the more quality matches you play, the better you will get," she added. Manisha was present alongside two emerging talents from Assam — Rekha Kataki and Dosomi Rowtia. Both Rekha and Dosomi are products of the ASMITA league. While Dosomi has made it to the national camp, Rekha has captained NorthEast United Football Club in the Indian Women's League Division 2. 'Football is in the genes of North-East people. I grew up watching Bala Devi and now 11 of my colleagues in the senior national team are from this region. This only shows how much talent is present here. 'Maybe, five years from now, one of these kids will play for Assam and then India. Just work hard and only think about football. The ecosystem is surely developing and with government's support, we can only do better," said Manisha. Sports in north-east is a focus area for the sports ministry. Sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya has already announced that a NorthEast-specific Games will be added to the Khelo India calendar. 'That will be a great addition. Not only football, this region is contributing to all sports and to give them more exposure is the right way to go," said Manisha, who has played professionally in Cyprus and Greece. PTI PM PM PDS PDS view comments First Published: August 08, 2025, 15:15 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
New Indian Express
2 hours ago
- New Indian Express
US women's national team knocked off top spot by Spain in FIFA's latest rankings
ZURICH: The U.S. was knocked off the top spot in FIFA's latest women's rankings by world champion Spain. Spain regained the No. 1 position despite losing to England in the final of the European Championship last month. The U.S. held the top position since August last year after winning gold at the Paris Olympics. Spain was No. 1 from December 2023 to June last year after its World Cup triumph. The latest rankings were released by world governing body FIFA on Thursday. England, which has won back-to-back Euros and lost to Spain in the final at the 2023 World Cup, moved up one place to fourth. Brazil dropped three positions and is seventh despite successfully defending the Copa America to win its ninth continental title. Sweden and France were big movers after impressive showings at the Euros. Sweden rose three places and is third after being eliminated on penalties by England in the quarterfinals. France moved up four places to sixth after also losing in the quarterfinals.
