With India’s official bid for hosting the 2036 Olympics, Ahmedabad is set to be at the centre of this grand vision, marking a historic opportunity for India to host its first Olympics. Envisioned to meet global standards, Ahmedabad is already underway with expansive infrastructure projects to prepare for the potential honour. The Gujarat government has committed ₹6,000 crore to construct cutting-edge sports facilities, including two Olympic-standard stadiums, an athletes’ village, and a vast sports enclave. The state has formed the Gujarat Olympic Planning and Infrastructure Corporation Ltd (GOLYMPIC) to manage these massive developments. Through these projects, Ahmedabad is set to become a premier destination for international sports, promising an iconic experience for athletes and spectators alike.
The centrepiece, the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave, will redefine India’s sports infrastructure. Situated around the world-renowned Narendra Modi Stadium, this 350-acre enclave will feature six separate sports complexes designed to international standards. At an additional cost of ₹632 crore, a second Olympic sports complex in Naranpura will offer facilities for 18 diverse sports, including a 7,000-seat indoor arena, a world-class aquatic centre, and multipurpose courts. In line with urban redevelopment goals, the historic Sardar Patel Stadium in Navrangpura will undergo a major transformation to provide a new international-standard venue at an estimated ₹60 crore, preserving the city’s sporting legacy while creating a modern arena.
Adding to the ambition, Ahmedabad’s proposed Athletes’ Village will be developed over 136 acres near Sughad-Bhat, close to the main sports enclave. Designed to minimise athletes’ travel time, the village promises an exceptional, eco-friendly experience, with plans for a green corridor that reflects India’s sustainability goals. Further, a 750-acre sports, skill, and knowledge corridor is planned in the Manipur-Godhavi area to support the Games and provide training facilities, ensuring lasting impact beyond 2036. By taking a sustainable approach to the development of these spaces, Ahmedabad not only aims to meet Olympic requirements but also leaves a lasting legacy of eco-conscious infrastructure, aligning with India’s broader environmental commitments.
These preparations are poised to transform Gujarat into a key hub for international sports events, with plans to attract additional global competitions like the Commonwealth Games and Asiad before the Olympics. The government has fast-tracked designs and issued mandates to complete the core sports enclave by 2027, positioning Ahmedabad as a model for sustainable urban sports infrastructure. With strategic placements and plans for future connectivity through BRTS and metro links, the city is embracing urban development to meet international standards, set to impact India’s global sporting presence while strengthening civic engagement and tourism.
Sustainability Perspective: Ahmedabad’s Olympic preparations highlight a commitment to eco-friendly design, with plans for low-emission transport and green spaces integrated within the sports venues. By balancing urban growth with sustainability, the city aims to meet Olympic standards while supporting long-term environmental health. These developments signify not just India’s readiness for the Olympics but a push towards resilient, sustainable infrastructure that benefits local communities.
