Hosting the Olympic Games is a major opportunity and a huge responsibility. The scale is massive. So are the costs and benefits.
Monumental expenses and debts make governments wary. The 2020 Tokyo Olympics saw costs soar on account of the pandemic delay. The Paris Olympics benefited from cost-cutting reforms introduced by the IOC in 2019.
For most of the 20th century, the Olympics were simpler to manage. Events were hosted by wealthier nations with strong public infrastructure. There was less pressure to profit. The focus was on national pride and global visibility.
Expectations for Olympic host nations are higher today. Cities are expected to plan better, spend smarter, and ensure lasting impact. Economists have called for reform. There are calls for lower bidding costs. Sustainable development goals have become a strong focus.
It is in this context that Ahmedabad is eyeing the 2036 Olympics.
The Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIM-A) will study the impact of hosting the Games, claimed reports.
The research will cover both Ahmedabad and the wider Gujarat region.
The study, commissioned by Gujarat Sports Infrastructure Development Company Ltd (GSIDC), will run for six months. Its goal is to assess the socio-economic and environmental outcomes of the event. It will also ensure that planning aligns with global sustainability standards.
Top government officials told a media house that such studies are part of the formal Olympic bid process. They said the findings will guide the commitments in the Host City Contract. These commitments will require monitoring and reporting at one, five, and ten-year intervals after the Games.
Officials who didn’t want to be named disclosed that third-party verification of the findings is mandatory.
They revealed that the aim is to ensure the Games create lasting value. The focus understandably is on sustainable development and measurable long-term benefits.
The study will also help identify risks and ways to manage them. It will align the planning process with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
IIM-A will look at a wide range of issues. These include demographic changes, community development, public health, and social well-being. The study will assess workforce development, skill-building, and volunteer participation. Long-term social change will also be a focus.
Economic impact will be a major area of analysis. Officials said the study will look at direct revenue sources and their contributions. It will also assess indirect and induced effects across sectors like transport, hospitality, retail, and real estate.
The report will estimate employment generation before, during, and after the Games. It will forecast long-term economic benefits for the region. IIM-A will use economic models such as input-output analysis and cost-benefit analysis.
Environmental assessment is a key part of the study. It will define and standardize environmental metrics. A framework for stakeholder engagement on environmental issues will also be created. The study will measure the carbon footprint of the Games.
In all, the study will form the backbone of Ahmedabad’s Olympic plans. Gujarat aims to ensure that if the Games come to the state, they leave a strong and sustainable legacy.
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