NEW DELHI, Aug 10: India’s bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games has received support from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), with chief executive Richard Gould pointing to the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad as an important opportunity to strengthen the country’s preparations.
Gould said the Commonwealth Games could serve as a useful testing ground for India as it seeks to demonstrate its ability to stage a major multi-sport event.
Ahmedabad is scheduled to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games and is at the centre of India’s plans for the 2036 Olympics. The country has been seeking to build the sporting infrastructure and organisational experience required to mount a credible bid.
The ECB’s backing adds to the international attention surrounding India’s Olympic ambitions. Cricket’s growing presence in the Olympic programme has also strengthened the sport’s relevance to India’s broader Olympic strategy.
India is aiming to use the 2030 Commonwealth Games to showcase its ability to manage venues, transportation, athlete services and other requirements associated with a large international sporting event.
The International Olympic Committee is expected to select the host of the 2036 Games through its revised bidding process, with the final decision due later in the decade.
India’s Olympic plans have been closely linked to Ahmedabad’s proposed development as a major international sporting hub. The city’s planned facilities and experience from hosting the Commonwealth Games are expected to form an important part of the country’s case.
Gould’s comments underline the potential role of cricket and international sporting bodies in supporting India’s efforts to secure the prestigious hosting rights.
