Bhubaneswar emerges as contender for hockey events as India eyes for 2036 Olympics

India is ambitiously vying to host the 2036 Olympics, aiming to bring the prestigious global sporting event to its soil. As part of this bid, Ahmedabad has been identified as the primary host city. However, the plan extends beyond one city, with events to be held nationwide. Bhubaneswar, known for its strong roots in hockey, has emerged as a contender for hosting the hockey events.

Dilip Tirkey, a former Olympian and the current President of Hockey India, is optimistic about the potential that Odisha holds in hosting the Olympic hockey competitions. He emphasised that the State has previously showcased its prowess through various international tournaments. This includes hosting the Champions Trophy in 2014 and the Hockey World Cup twice, in 2018 and 2023, as well as the Junior World Cup in 2021, all at the well-known Kalinga Hockey Stadium, which boasts a seating capacity of nearly 16,000 persons at a time.

"I am glad to know that Bhubaneswar may host the hockey event in the 2036 Olympics. Earlier, we have successfully organised World Cup, pro-league and other world-class events. Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar and Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium in Rourkela have the best facilities," said Tirkey.

Reports from across the nation indicate a strategic plan to distribute the games throughout India, utilising existing sporting infrastructures. Under this vision, alongside Bhubaneswar's hockey, cricket is proposed for Mumbai, canoeing for Pune, rowing for Bhopal, and sailing for Chennai.

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Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, recently visited Bhubaneswar to evaluate the infrastructure of Kalinga Stadium, underscoring the rising interest in Odisha’s capacity to host Olympic-standard events. Dilip Tirkey expressed his enthusiasm at the prospect, signifying local hopes pinned on this global ambition.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking at the International Olympic Committee meeting in Mumbai on October 14, 2023, had reiterated India’s dedication to hosting the Olympic Games, accentuating it with a formal 'Letter of Intent' submitted by the Indian Olympic Association to the International Olympic Committee last year.