India’s Olympic hosting dream faces hurdles amid governance and doping concerns

India's aspirations to host the 2036 Olympic Games face significant headwinds as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has reportedly raised concerns over the country's sports governance, doping control, and overall athletic performance management.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made it clear that India is serious about bidding for the 2036 Olympics, with preparations already underway to pitch the country as a potential host. However, recent developments could complicate India's chances.

One of the major red flags is the ongoing governance crisis within the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). While Olympian P T Usha currently heads the IOA, internal disputes between her and other members have led to administrative friction. This lack of stability at the top could raise doubts about India’s ability to manage an event of Olympic scale.

Equally worrying is India's position on the global anti-doping chart. India reportedly ranks second in the world, after Russia for doping violations, particularly in athletics. This record not only harms the nation’s sporting reputation but also raises questions about how effectively doping will be controlled during such a mega-event.

Additionally, India lags behind in sports management and infrastructure development. Despite some recent improvements, its medal tally at major global events like the Paralympics remains modest. India ranked 71st in the medal table during the last Paralympic Games, winning just six medals, an indicator of the gap between its ambitions and reality.

The IOC is expected to evaluate all bids based on readiness, transparency, and performance capacity. Unless India addresses these systemic challenges swiftly, its Olympic dream may remain out of reach.