Building the Dream, One Meet at a Time
India's ambitious dream of hosting the 2036 Olympic Games is not being built on grand declarations alone, but on the meticulous execution of key international events. The nation has taken a significant step in this journey by hosting its first-ever World Athletics Continental Tour in Bhubaneswar. This event, while modest in scale, serves as a crucial test of India's organizational capabilities and its credibility on the global sporting stage, laying the essential groundwork for much larger ambitions.
More Than Just a Bronze-Level Meet
The Continental Tour is a global series of track and field events ranked just one level below the prestigious Diamond League. While the Bhubaneswar meet is a 'bronze level' event—the entry tier of the tour—its importance far outweighs its label. For India, it represents a critical first foray into the year-round international athletics calendar. Hosting nearly 160 athletes from 17 countries, the event is a high-stakes audition, demonstrating to the world that India can deliver a seamless, world-class experience.
According to Adille Sumariwalla, a vice president of World Athletics and former head of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI), securing the hosting rights was a competitive process. India had to present a compelling case, backed by its athletes' recent global successes, and prove it had the necessary infrastructure and logistical prowess to meet stringent international standards. World Athletics conducted a thorough assessment of everything from the stadium and equipment to transport and air connectivity before giving the green light.
The Bhubaneswar Blueprint
The choice of Bhubaneswar is no accident. The city has been quietly and consistently establishing itself as a reliable hub for major sporting events. This journey began in earnest in 2017 when it successfully hosted the Asian Athletics Championships. That event left a lasting, positive impression on the leadership of World Athletics, shifting the global perception of India from a country with potential to one with proven capability. The Odisha government's full sponsorship of the Continental Tour further signals a deep commitment to this long-term vision.
This successful track record is now being leveraged for bigger goals. A successful Continental Tour meet is expected to pave the way for India to host higher-tier 'silver' or 'gold' level events in the near future, and potentially even a Diamond League meet within a few years. More significantly, the AFI has confirmed that it is preparing bids to host the 2029 and 2031 World Athletics Championships, with both Bhubaneswar and Ahmedabad being considered as potential host cities.
Securing a World Athletics Championships would be a monumental step, placing India firmly on the path toward its ultimate goal. For decades, the idea of an Indian Olympics seemed like a distant fantasy. But with each international event that is executed flawlessly, that dream becomes more tangible. The Continental Tour in Bhubaneswar is more than just a track meet; it is a foundational stone upon which India's Olympic future is being built.
Race Summary
- The Starting Block: Hosting the Continental Tour is the crucial first step in India's long-term race to host the 2036 Olympics.
- Proven Track Record: Bhubaneswar was chosen because it has already proven its ability to host major events, like the 2017 Asian Athletics Championships.
- Raising the Bar: A successful event will help India bid for even bigger competitions, like the World Athletics Championships, bringing the Olympic goal closer.
- Setting the Pace: The meet's true importance is in showing India's strength and commitment to becoming a world-class host for global sports.
