By Agnibeena Ghosh
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has issued a stern warning to countries that exclude athletes from competing on political grounds, cautioning that such actions could jeopardize their ambitions to host future Olympic Games. The issue of the “growing politicization of sport” was raised by IOC member Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic during a recent update to global sports leaders concerning countries seeking to host future Olympic events.
Simultaneously, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi made an official announcement that the world’s most populous nation intends to bid for the privilege of hosting the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Poland and Indonesia have also expressed their interest in hosting the 2036 Olympics, which will be the next Summer Games to be awarded.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the IOC session in Mumbai, Prime Minister Modi emphasized that hosting the Olympic Games has long been an aspiration for India. He highlighted the passion for sports among Indians and declared that the country would spare no effort in preparing for the successful organization of the Olympics in 2036. Modi expressed confidence in garnering consistent support from the IOC.
While Modi did not specify a particular city or region for India’s bid, Ahmedabad emerged as a likely contender. The city boasts the world’s largest stadium, with a capacity of 132,000, named after the Indian Prime Minister himself.
Indonesia and Mexico have previously expressed official interest in hosting the 2036 Olympics. Poland also signaled its desire to host the Games. However, Poland’s decision to exclude Russian athletes from competing in the European Games this year raised eyebrows, while Indonesia faced consequences from FIFA for refusing to host the Israeli team, leading to the loss of its opportunity to host the men’s Under-20 World Cup in May.
Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic, the former President of Croatia and an IOC member, raised concerns about the increasing imposition of government restrictions on athletes’ participation in international sporting competitions. She emphasized that the IOC panel responsible for liaising with potential host cities must consider any violations of the Olympic Charter throughout the bidding process. It is essential, she noted, that all interested parties and preferred host nations commit to adhering to the IOC’s code of ethics and rules of conduct.
The IOC’s warning against using sport for political purposes is a response to a growing trend where athletes, particularly in international competitions, are subject to political restrictions. Such restrictions can take various forms, including exclusion from participation, limitations on team compositions, or acts of protest.
The Olympic Charter, the foundational document of the IOC, emphasizes the principle of non-discrimination and prohibits any form of political manipulation within the Games. In the face of mounting political tensions, it is crucial for host nations and the sporting community to uphold these principles and ensure that athletes have the freedom to compete without political interference.
When nations decide to use sporting events as a platform for their political agendas, they risk alienating the global sporting community and undermining the integrity of the Games. The IOC’s message is clear: political interference in sport can have serious consequences, including the potential disqualification of a nation’s bid to host future Olympic events.
India’s announcement of its bid to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games is a significant step toward realizing the country’s longstanding dream of hosting this prestigious event. India has a rich history of participation in the Olympics, and with a population of 1.4 billion people, the nation possesses immense potential to embrace and excel in a wide range of sporting disciplines.
While the exact location for the Games was not specified by Prime Minister Modi, Ahmedabad stands out as a promising candidate. The city’s colossal stadium and the passion of the Indian people for sports create a strong case for its consideration as a host city.
The bid reflects India’s commitment to fostering a culture of sports and nurturing the talent of its athletes. It also presents an opportunity for the country to showcase its capabilities on the global stage. However, to succeed in securing the hosting rights, India must uphold the principles of the Olympic Charter and maintain a clear focus on sports, rather than allowing political interests to influence the Games.
The IOC’s warning against politicizing sport serves as a reminder of the fundamental values that underpin the Olympic Games. It urges nations to ensure that athletes are free from political interference and able to compete on a level playing field. As India, Poland, and Indonesia express their aspirations to host the 2036 Olympics, the emphasis on upholding these values becomes even more critical. Hosting the Olympics is a dream that transcends political boundaries, and it is essential that all stakeholders involved commit to fostering a spirit of fair play and unity in the world of sports.
News Mania Desk / Agnibeena Ghosh 31st October 2023
