As India intensifies its bid to host the Olympic Games in 2036, there is a strong likelihood that it will also advocate for the inclusion of yoga in sports programme, as per an Indian media agency. Yoga is one of the six sports that the Mission Olympics Cell (MOC) operating under the Sports Ministry believes could be proposed to include games like Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, Squash and chess along with T-20 Cricket.
This idea was initially discussed in December 2023, two months after PM Modi formally expressed his interest in hosting the 2036 Olympics during a meeting of the Sports Authority of India’s Mission Olympic Cell. The MOC comprises some of India’s top former athletes, senior federation officials and representatives of the Sports Ministry and Sports Authority of India.
A six-page summary of the recommendations for the 2036 Olympics highlights the need to create a safe environment by conducting awareness sessions of the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) and Protection of Children from the Sexual Offences Act (POSCO), tackling doping, holding federations accountable, focusing on grassroot developments, training coaches and referees along with building more infrastructure.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) allows the organising committee of the particular edition of the games to propose the inclusion of the one or more sports that are popular in the host region. For instance, Karate debuted at the Tokyo Games and Los Angeles will feature flag football, a sport widely played in the US. For a sport to be included in the games, it must be governed by an international federation recognised by the IOC. Notably, during the Paris Olympics this year, yoga classes will be exhibited at the Louvre.
Several countries have expressed their interests in hosting the 2036 Games, which is the earliest available slot. The 2024 Olympics will be held in Paris on July 26, followed by Los Angeles in 2028 and Brisbane in 2032. The IOC has initiated preliminary discussions with the Indian Olympic Association and the Sports Ministry.
However, a decision on the host is not expected for at least a year or two. India has been ramping up efforts with the 2036 Olympics bid mentioned in the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) signalling the government’s commitments. Next month in Paris, an India House will be set up to attract top members and lobby for the 2036 Olympics.
