Daily Current Affairs : 25-October-2023
In a recent announcement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi boldly declared India’s aspiration to host the Olympic Games, setting sights on the year 2036. Additionally, he expressed India’s keen interest in hosting the Youth Olympics in 2029, a year earlier than the scheduled 2030 event.
Understanding the Host Selection Process
The Role of International Olympic Committee (IOC)
The selection of Olympic host cities lies in the hands of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). During their Sessions, committee members exercise this power through a voting process, with the host city elected by a majority vote through a secret ballot. Each active member holds one vote, making the process democratic and inclusive.
Evolution of the Selection Process
The IOC’s adoption of Olympic Agenda 2020 in 2014 marked a significant shift in the philosophy of selecting host cities. This new approach emphasized flexibility, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. The motto guiding this change was simple yet profound: ‘The Games adapt to the region, the region does not adapt to the Games’. Notably, the rigid seven-year rule was abolished, allowing for greater flexibility in choosing hosts.
The Contemporary Selection Process
Continuous Dialogue: An Open Conversation
The contemporary selection process involves two key stages: continuous dialogue and targeted dialogue, eliminating fixed deadlines. During the continuous dialogue phase, the IOC’s Future Hosts Commission (FHC) engages in non-committal discussions with interested parties. These discussions revolve around the host’s vision, the purpose of the Games, and its long-term legacy. Remarkably, the Games can now span multiple cities or even be shared jointly with another country, showcasing a remarkable departure from the traditional format.
Targeted Dialogue: Getting Specific
Moving into the targeted dialogue stage, interested parties evolve into ‘preferred hosts’. Unlike the past, rejection no longer discourages bidding. Continuous dialogue can persist for future events. In this targeted dialogue phase, proposals for hosting a specific edition of the Olympic Games are thoroughly explored. The IOC’s executive board becomes actively involved, engaging in detailed discussions. The FHC prepares a comprehensive advisory report for the executive board, which then holds the authority to recommend a single host or shortlist multiple options for the final selection by the IOC members.
India’s Path Ahead
India’s announcement to host the Olympic Games in 2036 reflects a nation’s bold ambition and confidence in its abilities. With the contemporary, flexible selection process, India stands on equal footing with other potential hosts, making the dream of hosting the world’s most prestigious sporting event a tangible reality. As India continues its journey towards this goal, the IOC’s innovative selection process ensures fairness, adaptability, and a promising future for the Olympic movement.
Important Points:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Declarations:
- India aims to host the Olympic Games in 2036.
- Expresses interest in hosting the Youth Olympics in 2029, a year before the scheduled event in 2030.
- Host Selection Process:
- International Olympic Committee (IOC) members choose the host city through a majority vote using a secret ballot.
- Each active member holds one vote, ensuring a democratic process.
- Evolution of Selection Process (Olympic Agenda 2020):
- Emphasis on flexibility, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness in host city selection.
- Abolition of the rigid seven-year rule, allowing for greater flexibility in choosing hosts.
- Contemporary Selection Process:
- Continuous Dialogue Stage:
- Non-committal discussions between IOC’s Future Hosts Commission (FHC) and interested parties.
- Discussions focus on the host’s vision, purpose of the Games, and long-term legacy.
- Games can span multiple cities or be shared jointly with another country.
- Targeted Dialogue Stage:
- Interested parties termed ‘preferred hosts’.
- Continuous dialogue can persist for future events, encouraging ongoing bids.
- Detailed discussions involving IOC’s executive board.
- FHC prepares an advisory report for the executive board.
- Executive board can recommend a single host or shortlist multiple options for final selection by IOC members.
- Continuous Dialogue Stage:
- India’s Path Ahead:
- India’s aspiration to host the Olympic Games aligns with the flexible and fair selection process outlined by the IOC.
- The innovative process ensures fairness, adaptability, and a promising future for India’s Olympic ambitions.
Why In News
Prime Minister Narendra Modi publicly declared India’s intention to host the Olympic Games, preferably in 2036. He also mentioned India’s ambition to host the Youth Olympics in 2029 although the quadrennial event is currently scheduled for 2030. Additionally, he emphasized India’s commitment to investing in sports infrastructure and fostering young talents to make these ambitious dreams a reality.
MCQs about A Vision for Olympic Hosting
-
What does India aim to host according to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s declarations?
A. FIFA World Cup in 2036
B. Olympic Games in 2036
C. Commonwealth Games in 2029
D. Youth Olympics in 2030
-
What major change did the Olympic Agenda 2020 bring to the selection of Olympic host cities?
A. Introduction of stricter deadlines for bids
B. Emphasis on flexibility, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness
C. Increase in the number of host cities
D. Rigid enforcement of the seven-year rule
-
What is the purpose of the continuous dialogue stage in the contemporary selection process of host cities?
A. Finalizing host city selection
B. Non-committal discussions with interested parties
C. Executing detailed discussions with IOC members
D. Announcing the selected host city
-
What does the targeted dialogue stage involve in the contemporary host selection process?
A. Final selection of the host city
B. Non-committal discussions
C. Detailed discussions with IOC’s executive board
D. Rejecting all bids
Boost up your confidence by appearing our Weekly Current Affairs Multiple Choice Questions
