Can multi-city bid boost India's Oly credentials?

Ahmedabad is set to be the cornerstone of India's bid for 2036 Olympics even as few sports could be held in other cities in line with the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) push for cost-effectiveness and sustainability.

- HT Correspondents

NEW DELHI/MUMBAI/AHMEDABAD: Officials in the know said that the possibility of hosting hockey in Bhubaneswar, canoeing and kayaking in Pune, equestrian and rowing in Bhopal, and sailing in Chennai were being explored but the Gujarat city will remain at the front and centre of India's push to host a maiden Olympics.

"If India does come into serious contention to host the Olympics — and that is still some way down the line — the crux of the Games will be in Ahmedabad," a top official of the Gujarat State Olympic Association (GSOA) said. The official, however, said that India presenting a few existing venues in its pitch to boost its credentials against stiff competition. "But that could be just for the pitch. Once there's greater clarity, and the work-in-progress venues in Ahmedabad take shape, most sports will remain here," the official added.