Parliament Question: Hosting of Olympics

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS (DEPARTMENT OF SPORTS) RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-158 ANSWERED ON-29/01/2026 HOSTING OF OLYMPICS 158 SHRI K.R.N. RAJESHKUMAR: Will the Minister of YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS be pleased to state: (a) whether Government is aware that only once since 1970 the hosting of the Olympics was profitable and on rest of the occasions, countries incurred a loss; (b) if so, the reasons for conducting the Olympics in India in 2036 amid existing fiscal constraints in the country; (c) whether Government has calculated the estimated amount that would be incurred to host the Olympics and if so, the details thereof; and (d) whether there is any plan for utilizing the stadiums and infrastructure after the Olympic event and if so, the details thereof? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS (DR. MANSUKH MANDAVIYA) (a) & (b): The Government of India is fully aware of the historical financial challenges associated with hosting the Olympic Games. Sport development is a national priority, as it promotes active lifestyle, child and youth development, social inclusiveness, employment opportunities, peace and development, and above all a sense of belongingness and national pride. As far the Union Government is concerned, the primary objectives of its policies and schemes are sustainable sports infrastructure, grassroots development, and high-performance preparation for events like the 2036 Olympics. Bidding to host the Olympic Games in India is the responsibility of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and allotment of hosting rights for the Olympics is done by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) through a detailed host selection process. The host selection process is available in public domain on IOC website at: https://www.olympics.com/ioc/becoming-an-olympic-games-host/the-process-to-elect- olympic-hosts. Page 1of 2The bid is now in the “Continuous Dialogue” phase with the Future Host Commission of IOC. (c) The host selection process of IOC has not reached to the stage for estimation of expenditure on the part of Union Government in respect of the hosting the Games. (d) Legacy plan for proposed venues is a key aspect of IOC’s host selection process. Successful conduct of mega-sporting events provides a lasting legacy, which helps in pursuing the objectives of using the facilities for promoting community sports, centers of excellence for preparation of athletes/teams, and hosting of national / international sporting events. The bid for the Games is curated in consultation with the IOC who evaluate the legacy potential of hosting the Games prior to progressing a bid for selection (https://www.olympics.com/ioc/olympic-legacy/living-legacy.) ***** Page 2 of 2