Ahmedabad, Jan 29: India is not only concentrating on enhancing its infrastructure capabilities but also on intellectual readiness as it seeks the hosting rights for the 2036 Olympic Games, stated PT Usha, president of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), on Wednesday.
The former track and field champion emphasized that India’s interaction with the international Olympic Games extends beyond mere competition to embody its genuine essence of fostering peace and cultural exchange.
Usha spoke at the 1st International Olympic Research Conference hosted at Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) near Dehgam in the Gandhinagar district. The four-day event has been organized by the Bharat Centre for Olympic Research and Education (B-CORE) of RRU, which is recognized as an institution of national significance under the Union home ministry.
In her address, Usha highlighted that due to this conference, representatives from various Olympic studies and research centers worldwide, along with experts from multiple disciplines, have come together in India.
“India’s involvement with the Olympic movement is undergoing a transformative phase, transcending competitive sports to embrace the authentic spirit of Olympism — promoting peace, education, and cultural exchange through sports,” she asserted.
“What renders this conference noteworthy is its timing. As India aspires to host the (2036) Olympics, we are not only fortifying our infrastructure capabilities but also enhancing our intellectual and research readiness,” remarked the former athlete, who was a dominant force in Asian track and field during the 1980s.
The IOA president stated that the conference will act as a platform where global expertise intersects with Indian innovation, focusing on discussions around urban transformation, technological advancements, sustainability, and inclusive governance.
One of the primary objectives of the conference is to showcase India’s comprehensive approach to sports development and its contribution to societal progress, Usha emphasized.
“This assembly conveyed a strong message to the international sports community – that is India’s commitment to making meaningful contributions to the global Olympic movement through research, innovation, and knowledge sharing,” she expressed.
During the opening ceremony of the 38th National Games in Dehradun on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that his government is fully committed to the ambitious bid for hosting the 2036 Olympics, which aims to elevate Indian sports and create opportunities across various sectors.
In his remarks at the conference, set to conclude on January 30, IOA vice-president Ajay Patel noted that the conclave reflects India’s evolving sports vision.
Under the stewardship of PM Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, India is transforming sports into a national mission centered on empowerment and innovation, he asserted.
“Research is our most potent tool. During the conference, we should tackle vital questions, such as how sports infrastructure can promote urban rejuvenation, what economic models can ensure the financial sustainability of mega events, and how we can leverage technological innovations for societal benefit,” Patel pointed out. (PTI)
