India’s bid to host the 2036 Olympics is not just an effort to make an international statement but a carefully devised plan to develop world-class infrastructure, stimulate the economy, and address significant social issues affecting the youth, says Minister of State for Sports Raksha Khadse. In an interview with news agency PTI, the 38-year-old three-time Lok Sabha MP from Maharashtra’s Raver constituency dismissed criticism suggesting the country should focus on becoming a sporting powerhouse before aiming for the expensive endeavour of hosting the Olympics. “Preparing to host events like the 2036 Olympics or the 2030 Commonwealth Games is about creating world-class infrastructure, economic investment, and legacy systems that directly benefit athlete development,” she stated during the interaction at her office in New Delhi. “Sports also address various issues such as depression and drug addiction. Keeping all this in mind, bringing an event like the Olympics to the country becomes a galvanising force socially. It creates a fitness movement and enhances the nation’s output. It’s a win-win for all,” explained the deputy to union minister Mansukh Mandaviya. India’s bid to host the Games will gain momentum next month when a delegation from the sports ministry and the Indian Olympic Association heads to Lausanne for discussions with the International Olympic Committee after submitting its letter of intent last year. “There is no denying that hosting an Olympics will make a statement. It signifies that you are a developed country. But simultaneously, it also gives the youth a chance to take the lead as nation-builders.” To emphasise that hosting the Games and developing Indian sports are not mutually exclusive, she mentioned the World Para-Athletics Championships in Delhi later this year, which has led to the renovation of the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium with a MondoTrack, the most advanced track surface currently in use globally. “We are ensuring that every rupee spent has a long-term multiplier impact,” assured Khadse, the second woman and the youngest to be assigned the sports ministry. The 2024 Paris Olympics cost over USD 9 billion, while the upcoming 2028 Games in Los Angeles are estimated to exceed USD 7 billion. Often, the projected costs surpass the final expenses significantly. The 2016 Rio Summer Games have been the most expensive so far, costing USD 23.6 billion. With PTI Inputs