Mumbai has been chosen as the host of the host International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) next session in 2023. The City of Dreams was officially announced as the host by IOC president Thomas Bach following a voting session at the IOC Session 2022 in Beijing. (More Sports News)
Out of 82 IOC members eligible for voting, 75 members were in favour of Mumbai. Six voted for abstention, while only one vote went against Mumbai. The last time India hosted an IOC session was in 1983 in New Delhi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed confidence that "this will be a memorable IOC session and will lead to positive outcomes for world sports".
Mumbai will host the IOC Session 2023 in May or June and the event will be held at the Jio World Centre. “Its an honour to lead the Indian delegation today for hosting such a prestigious Olympic event,” said Nita Ambani, IOC member.
“I truly believe that India is on the verge of creating something very special to the Olympic movement,” she added. India’s first individual Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra along with Indian Olympic Association (IOA) chief Narinder Batra were also present in the virtual session along with Ambani.
“The 2020 Olympics was historic for India. Today, we make more history as Mumbai is announced as host of the 2023 IOC Session. Proud to have been part of the delegation led by Mrs. Nita Ambani, and Dr. Narinder Batra!” said Bindra.
India in the past hosted big-ticket events like the Commonwealth Games in 2010, and if entrusted with the opportunity can also pull off an event like the Olympics. Along with the Olympics also comes the economic boost for the country.
India had earlier bid to host the 2032 Olympics but was effectively eliminated from the race as the edition went to Brisbane, the announcement was made in the IOC Session 2021. IOA president Narinder Barta had earlier stated that the apex body is in talks with the IOC for hosting the Olympics.
“Olympic Games can be hosted in three or four cities in India, and the IOA is in talks with the IOC about India's possible bid for 2036,” Batra, an IOC member, had said.
“Being the President of IOA, my discussions with the IOC happen on the subject... 2036 Olympics will be finalised in two-three years, and we are currently discussing with IOC.” The country reached new heights when Neeraj Chopra brought the second individual gold meal during the Tokyo Olympics.
What is an IOC Session?
The IOC session is the general meeting of the Members of the IOC. It is the IOC's supreme organ, and its decisions are final. An ordinary Session is held once a year, while Extraordinary Sessions may be convened by the President or upon the written request of at least one-third of the Members.
India has made rapid strides in Olympic sports in the last few years and the IOC Session 2023 in Mumbai could be a step closer to proving the country’s determination in hosting the Olympics possibly in 2036.
