India Advances Olympic Dreams with High-Level Talks in Lausanne

India has taken a significant step forward in its bid to host a future edition of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, with a high-powered delegation visiting Lausanne—the Olympic Capital—for strategic talks with the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The meeting was held as part of the IOC’s “Continuous Dialogue” process, aimed at exploring the feasibility and vision behind India’s potential to host the world’s premier sporting event.

Representing the Indian side were Harsh Sanghavi, Minister of Sports of the State of Gujarat, and Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha. The delegation also included senior officials from the IOA, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, and the Government of Gujarat.

During the discussions, the Indian team presented its ambitious vision to bring the Olympic Games to Amdavad (Ahmedabad), positioning the bid as a transformative national project under the larger framework of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’—India’s roadmap for becoming a fully developed nation by the 100th year of independence.

A Vision with Global and Generational Impact

India’s proposal to host the Olympic Games in Amdavad rests on three core pillars:

1. Elevating Indian Sport: Hosting the Olympics would provide over 600 million young Indians their first opportunity to witness the Games on home soil, igniting inspiration and sporting enthusiasm across generations.

2. Catalyzing Development: The Games are envisioned as a springboard for socio-economic growth, innovation, education, and youth empowerment, in alignment with India’s development aspirations.

3. Global Unity through Indian Values: The bid draws strength from the Indian philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—“The world is one family”—promising a spirit of global inclusivity and cultural exchange throughout the Games.

Leaders Speak: Gujarat and India Ready for the World

Reflecting on the visit, Gujarat’s Sports Minister Harsh Sanghavi emphasized the state’s readiness and vision:

“Gujarat, with its rich history and dynamic spirit, is poised to once again contribute significantly to India’s development. Our investments in sport and our commitment to the Olympic Movement are a testament to this. Hosting the Games would be a monumental step for Gujarat, fostering unprecedented growth and inspiring a new generation. We are eager to be a true partner to the IOC in the coming months of this process and, hopefully, in the years to come, as we work together to realize this shared ambition.”

PT Usha, President of the IOA and legendary Indian athlete, underscored the broader significance of the initiative:

“India's engagement with the Olympic Movement is at a transformative moment—one that goes beyond competitive sports to embrace the true spirit of Olympism, promoting peace, education, and cultural exchange through sports. The Olympic Games in India would not just be a spectacular event; they would be one of generational impact for all Indians.”

A New Chapter in India’s Olympic Journey

The exchange in Lausanne marks a critical step in India's evolving relationship with the IOC and signals the country’s growing readiness to take on global responsibilities in the sporting world. The IOC’s Continuous Dialogue framework allows interested nations to work collaboratively and transparently with the Committee in shaping potential bids that align with the values of sustainability, inclusivity, and long-term legacy.

With its eyes set on the Olympic horizon, India is now positioning itself not just as a sporting host but as a global partner in the future of the Olympic Movement.

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