New Delhi. Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Defense Nikhil Khadse said here that the government is making every possible effort to resolve the differences in the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to ensure a strong and successful bid for the 2036 Olympic Games. IOA President PT Usha is at loggerheads with the 12 executive members who have not approved the appointment of Raghuram Iyer as IOA CEO. This is not presenting a good image of India in front of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
This is important because India is in the race to host the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in 2036. India has submitted a letter of intent to the IOC Future Host Commission to host the Games. India took this important step after several talks with the international organization. Khadse said, “I think everyone is trying to work together and we are making every possible effort to resolve the IOA issues.” The Ministry is making efforts to resolve all differences and issues so that the objective of organizing a major sporting event in India can be achieved.
He said, “For this we will all have to work together.” We need to take this (Olympic) bid forward in a positive manner.” With the submission of the letter of intent to the IOC, India has moved from the informal dialogue to the continuous dialogue phase of the host election process. Khadse said the Narendra Modi-led government is committed to taking Indian sports forward and the successful bid for 2036 Olympics will give a big boost to sports in the country.
“The (Olympic bid) process takes a lot of time to complete,” he said. The final decision rests with the IOC. We have placed our bid through the National Olympic Committee, which is the IOA. it’s a start. We are trying because Olympics is a big platform.” Khadse said, ”If we get the hosting rights, it will definitely be a proud moment for India. India is no longer behind in any field and especially in the field of sports, we want to work more in the coming days.