India's ambition to host the 2036 Olympic Games is actively progressing, with the nation currently engaged in the 'Continuous Dialogue' phase with the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) Future Host Commission. This was announced by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya in the Lok Sabha on Monday, August 11, 2025, in response to a query from Aam Aadmi Party's MP from Sangrur, Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer.

Minister Mandaviya clarified that the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) is managing the entire bidding process. The IOA has already submitted a letter of intent to the IOC, marking a significant step in the nation's pursuit of hosting the prestigious sporting event.

The 'Continuous Dialogue' phase is a crucial stage that involves the IOC conducting a thorough feasibility assessment of India's preparedness to host the Olympics. This assessment will evaluate various factors, including infrastructure, logistics, security, and the overall suitability of the proposed host cities.

While India has not officially proposed a specific host city, the Gujarat government has been proactive in продвигая the bid. Gujarat's Sports Minister, Harsh Sanghavi, was part of an Indian delegation that visited the IOC headquarters in Lausanne last month to discuss the bid, indicating the state's strong interest in hosting the Games.

The Sports Minister did not directly respond to queries about whether India's proposal includes hosting events across multiple venues, such as hockey in Bhubaneswar, rowing in Bhopal, canoeing/kayaking in Pune, and cricket in Mumbai. He reiterated that the IOC holds the sole responsibility for allocating hosting rights through a detailed selection process.

However, the host selection process is currently on hold. IOC President Kirsty Coventry, the first woman and African to hold the position, announced that members agreed to reassess the selection process during her first Executive Board meeting in June. This decision has led to delays in the timeline for announcing the host of the 2036 Olympics, with the initial decision expected next year.

India faces competition from other countries vying for the opportunity to host the 2036 Olympics, including Qatar and Turkey. Despite the competition, India's commitment to the bidding process remains strong, with the government and the IOA working together to present a compelling case to the IOC.

In addition to the progress on the 2036 Olympic bid, the Sports Minister addressed concerns about India's football rankings, attributing the fluctuations to the dynamic nature of the ranking process. He also highlighted the government's support for football, with 500 athletes currently being trained in the sport.