India’s bid to host the 2036 Olympics in Ahmedabad got an unexpected boost as a key rival was set to be from Indonesia, which was in talks for the 36th edition of the quadrennial event with Nusantara put forward as the host city while other options also included Jakarata and Bali.
The country also entered the bidding process for the 2030 Youth Olympics.
However, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced on Wednesday (October 22) that it has ended talks with the Indonesian Olympic Committee (KOI) for both the 2030 Youth Olympics and 2036 Olympics. The decision was taken after Indonesia denied the visas of Israeli athletes to compete in the 2025 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Jakarta.
IOC claimed that the decision has been taken to ensure that all athletes can participate in a major event.
IOC Statement – Full Text
Following the cancellation of visas for Israeli athletes by the Indonesian government for the 53rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Jakarta, the IOC EB met remotely this week and discussed both this specific situation and the recurrent global issue regarding athletes’ access to international competitions. It again highlighted the IOC’s principled position: all eligible athletes, teams and sports officials must be able to take part in international sports competitions and events without any form of discrimination by the host country, in accordance with the Olympic Charter and the fundamental principles of non-discrimination, autonomy and political neutrality that govern the Olympic Movement.
In order to avoid similar situations in the future, the IOC EB decided the following:
To end any form of dialogue with the NOC of Indonesia about hosting future editions of the Olympic Games, Youth Olympic Games, Olympic events or conferences until such time as the Indonesian government provides the IOC with adequate guarantees that it will allow access to the country for all participants, regardless of nationality, to attend.
To recommend to all International Federations not to host any international sports events or meetings in Indonesia until such time as the Indonesian government provides adequate guarantees to the International Federations that it will allow access to the country for all participants, regardless of nationality, to attend.
To adapt the Qualification Principles for the Olympic Games, requesting that the International Federations include guarantees on access to the respective country for all athletes in their hosting agreements for any Olympic qualification competition around the world.
To request the NOC of Indonesia and the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) to come to the IOC headquarters in Lausanne to discuss the situation that occurred ahead of the 53rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships.
The IOC EB took the opportunity to remind all Olympic Movement stakeholders of the importance of free and unfettered access to the respective country for all participants to attend international competitions without restrictions.
India’s Pakistan Stance Justified?
The decision has come at a time when India is putting a serious bid to host the Olympics for the first time amid high tensions with Pakistan. Despite the two countries having tense relations diplomatically and militarily, the Indian government confirmed that it will give visas to Pakistan’s Hockey Team for the Asia Cup and Junior Hockey Asia Cup, while also allowing the cricket team to play them in the Asia Cup and in the Women’s World Cup.
This decision has sparked backlash in the country just months after the Pahalgam Terror Attacks and Operation Sindoor, with opinions divided.
In August, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) issued a policy over Pakistan with a ban on bilateral competitions. However, Indian teams were allowed to play Pakistan in multi-national events, while Pakistani athletes are allowed to participate in any competition hosted in India.
India’s Sports Policy With Pakistan – Full Test
“India’s approach to sports events involving Pakistan reflects its overall policy in dealing with that country.In so far as bilateral sports events in each other’s country are concerned, Indian teams will not be participating in competitions in Pakistan. Nor will we permit Pakistani teams to play in India.
With regard to international and multilateral events, in India or abroad, we are guided by the practices of international sports bodies and the interest of our own sportspersons. It is also relevant to take into account India’s emergence as a credible venue to host international sports events.
Accordingly, Indian teams and individual players will take part in international events that also have teams or players from Pakistan. Similarly, Pakistani players and teams will be able to participate in such multilateral events hosted by India.
To position India as a preferred destination for hosting international sporting events, the visa process for sportspersons, team officials, technical personnel, and office-bearers of International Sports Governing Bodies shall be simplified. In respect of office-bearers of International Sports Governing Bodies, a multi-entry visa shall be granted on priority basis for the duration of their official tenure, subject to a maximum period of five years.
This shall facilitate their smooth movement into and within the country, in accordance with international norms. Due protocol and courtesies, as per established practice, shall be extended to the Heads of International Sports Governing Bodies during their visits to India.
India Aim To Follow the Olympic Charter
As the MYAS’ statement categorically states, India’s decision is based on the attempt to become a ‘preferred destination for hosting international sporting events.’ The ban on Indonesia has reinforced the IOC’s strict stance on the issue and the need for India to coperate with Pakistan on the cricket field.
While the debate over whether it is right for India to host the 2036 Olympics is a different one but if they want to, this stance will have to say.