India Faces IOC Scrutiny Over Governance and Doping Ahead of 2036 Olympics

In a pivotal meeting held at the International Olympic Committee (IOC) headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, an Indian delegation presented its aspirations to host the 2036 Olympic Games. However, the IOC's candid response underscored significant concerns regarding India's governance structures, rampant doping issues, and its overall performance in Olympic events. The delegation, led by Gujarat's Home and Sports Minister Harsh Sanghavi and Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President P.T. Usha, outlined plans to position Ahmedabad as the candidate city for the mega event. Despite the enthusiasm, IOC officials emphasized that India must first address critical organizational challenges before any serious discussions on hosting the Olympics can proceed.

The IOC's concerns are multifaceted. During the meeting, issues regarding governance within the IOA were brought to light, particularly the ongoing administrative disputes and alleged financial mismanagement that have plagued the organization. As noted by Dr. Sarah Johnson, a Professor of Sports Management at Stanford University, "The governance of national Olympic committees is crucial for maintaining the integrity and success of sports on an international level". The IOC's position reflects a broader commitment to ensuring that host nations uphold high standards in sports administration.

Additionally, doping remains a significant hurdle. According to the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) 2023 report, India recorded the highest positivity rate for banned substances among major sporting nations, a troubling statistic that raises alarm over athlete welfare and fair competition. WADA's findings indicate that India was second only to Russia in positive doping cases among minors, highlighting the urgent need for robust anti-doping measures. The Athletics Integrity Unit further classified India as the second-highest offender in doping within track and field events, trailing only Kenya as of May 2025.

The implications of these issues are profound. As the Indian delegation prepares for its Olympic bid, the IOC has paused the host selection process, providing India with a window to address the highlighted governance and doping challenges. An unnamed official close to the discussions remarked, "The IOC has made it clear that the IOA must rectify its internal issues before any further discussions regarding hosting the Olympics take place. This is essential not only for India's bid but also for the integrity of the Olympic movement itself."

The administrative strife within the IOA, particularly the conflict surrounding the appointment of CEO Raghuram Iyer, has significantly impacted India's preparations for upcoming multi-disciplinary events. P.T. Usha, the first woman to lead the IOA, has faced ongoing challenges with the Executive Council over various matters, including sponsorship agreements and financial transparency. The ongoing strife has stalled the release of athlete welfare grants from the IOC, which were halted in October 2024 due to administrative logjams.

In light of these challenges, the Union Sports Ministry has announced plans to tackle doping and improve governance within the IOA. An official stated, "We are committed to resolving these issues swiftly to ensure that our bid for the 2036 Olympics is not compromised". This sentiment echoes the broader recognition that transparent governance and a strong anti-doping framework are not merely regulatory necessities, but essential components for fostering a competitive and fair sporting environment.

Looking towards the future, the success of India's Olympic aspirations hinges on effectively addressing these systemic issues. The IOC's candid feedback serves as both a challenge and a catalyst for reform within Indian sports administration. As the global sporting community watches closely, the outcomes of India's efforts will have lasting implications not only for its Olympic bid but also for its legacy in international sports governance.