The Government of Gujarat plans to develop international level sports infrastructure in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar and has set up a special purpose vehicle, Gujarat Olympic Scheme and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (OLYMPIC), to host major international sporting events. .
According to officials involved in the planning, the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (SVP) Sports Enclave, is currently being developed in Motera, Ahmedabad at an estimated cost of Rs. Rs 6,000 crore is going to form the cornerstone of Gujarat’s bid to host major international events.
“The 2036 Olympics will feature around 35-40 sporting events, including cricket, which will make its Olympic comeback after 128 years at the Los Angeles 2028 Games. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave will have the Narendra Modi Stadium, the world’s largest cricket venue,” said a senior official. “The Olympic selection process is now in the ongoing negotiation phase. After initial informal discussions, we have entered a phase of sustained dialogue, which will soon transition into targeted discussions.
India has stepped up its quest to host the 2036 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games by submitting a formal letter of intent to the Future Host Commission of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on October 1. This letter formally expresses India’s commitment to host the Games and marks the beginning. Have a more structured process with the IOC.
Karai Complex
The latest game-changer is a transformational project at the Gujarat Police Academy in Karai, Gandhinagar, which will transform 143 acres into a premier sports hub, with a state-of-the-art athletics stadium and multiple world-class facilities. This ambitious initiative will include land acquired from the Sabarmati Riverfront Project, thereby increasing both the available space and aesthetic appeal of the area.
at its core The Rs 1,200-1,500 crore project includes a state-of-the-art athletics stadium, designed to seat 30,000 to 35,000 spectators. According to officials, for larger international events, the stadium can be expanded to accommodate 50,000 to 55,000 attendees through temporary seating arrangements. This flexibility ensures preparation for important sporting events, with the stadium hosting Rugby 7s and major football matches.
The facility will accommodate a variety of athletics events including running, long jump, hurdles and other track and field sports. Complementing the athletics stadium will be an indoor multi-purpose arena featuring retractable seating, providing a versatile venue for a variety of events. The arena, designed to seat 5,000 to 6,000 spectators, will host a variety of sporting and entertainment acts as well as weightlifting events.
“The development will also include an integrated shooting centre, which will be equipped to cater to the needs of both amateur and professional shooters. This shooting center will serve both large-scale sporting events and heritage purposes at the Gujarat Police Academy campus,” said an official.
Starting in 2025, the project is targeted for completion in 2027, with extensive road works to ensure efficient traffic flow and accessibility. According to officials, its masterplan has been designed by Populous, world-renowned architects from Australia, who have been associated with all Olympic sports since 1996 and are also the master planners of the SVP Sports Enclave.
SVP Enclave, Naranpura Stadium and other sports infrastructure
Naranpura Sports Complex, another state-of-the-art sports facility under construction, has been built at a cost of 800 crores and is expected to open in January. “When it opens next month, it will be India’s largest multi-sports complex,” said a senior official involved in the development.
The complex has dedicated aquatics facilities, an indoor multisports arena, sports excellence centers and community sports centers with both mobile and fixed seating capacity. It is designed to accommodate sports such as aquatics, badminton, squash, table tennis, tennis, basketball and volleyball (indoor).
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave is being designed to host major international events. Officials said it will have a combination of permanent and temporary spaces to accommodate a variety of sports, including gymnastics, skateboarding, softball and tennis.
A village to house the athletes is being planned around the enclave, with land parcels already identified. Infrastructure for combat sports is being developed at the Sanskardham Educational Institute in Ahmedabad, while a velodrome for cycling events is under construction in Gandhinagar. Officials have indicated that the Mahatma Mandir Convention Center in Gandhinagar will house an international broadcast center and main press center for major international sporting events.
All major sporting events will be held within a radius of 30 kilometers as per Olympic standards. The Gujarat government is also considering developing satellite venues in cities like Somnath, Statue of Unity and Shivrajpur to accommodate all Olympic sports following the modern Olympic practice. The Sabarmati riverfront is being considered for rafting events, while Somnath, Ekta Nagar near the Statue of Unity and Shivrajpur beach near Dwarka are being planned for other water and sea sports.
Benefit to Gujarat?
While Prime Minister Narendra Modi formally announced India’s intention during the 141st International Olympic Committee (IOC) session in Mumbai in October 2023, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has expressed support for Gujarat’s bid, his election The Gandhinagar region has played a central role in preparedness efforts. , Certainly, India’s letter of intent does not mention any city to host the Games.
The historical significance of Ahmedabad is recognized internationally, with its Walled City being India’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. “This prestigious designation underlines the city’s unique blend of cultural heritage and modern development. The city’s infrastructure is strong, highlighted by India’s first bullet train project, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail corridor, which will be operational by 2028. This is complemented by an international airport, extensive road network and efficient intra-city transport. Through the metro system and BRTS,” an Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation official explained.
Beyond transportation, Ahmedabad showcases exemplary urban planning with its smart city initiatives, sustainable development practices and modern amenities. The city’s hospitality sector is well developed with several international hotels and a growing service industry.
The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) and the Gandhinagar civic body are aligning their development plans with the Olympic vision. Ahmedabad has revised its city planning plans to include dedicated sports infrastructure and open spaces, while the draft budget for 2024-25 focuses on critical infrastructure upgrades, including a comprehensive traffic master plan and advanced utility systems.
Environmental sustainability is a key priority, with the aim being to make cities “net zero” through rainwater harvesting, better transportation and green waste management policies. Ahmedabad’s development plans also include iconic structures, such as The Rs 350 crore barrage and bridge on Sabarmati river will enhance both connectivity and urban aesthetics.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)’s 2022 Gujarat Assembly election manifesto promised to set up a “Gujarat Olympic Mission”, which aims to create world-class infrastructure to host the Games.
The state plans to secure the 2028 U20 World Athletics Championship and bids for the 2027 World Combat Games, 2029 World Police and Fire Games, 2030 Youth Olympic Games and 2033 Asian Youth Games, an official said.
“There are many other countries competing for the 2036 Olympics and the results will probably be known after a year or two,” a senior official said. “Even if Gujarat and Ahmedabad do not make it as host cities for 2036, the state government will continue its efforts to develop world-class infrastructure. After all, it was the vision of the Prime Minister, who launched the Khel Mahakumbh in Gujarat in 2010, that the state should excel in sports.
