Tue Oct 08 17:09:08 UTC 2024: ## India and Indonesia Urged to Reconsider Olympic Bids: Experts Warn of Infrastructure Gaps and Need for Athlete Development

**Jakarta/Kolkata** – While both India and Indonesia are vying to host the 2036 Olympic Games, experts from both countries have cautioned their respective governments against rushing into the bid. They highlight the need for significant infrastructure upgrades and a focus on developing high-quality athletes before taking on such a monumental task.

Former Indian hockey player, Carvalho, stressed the need for a complete overhaul of India’s sports infrastructure to match the standards of developed nations. He emphasized that while the government is investing heavily in improvements, it’s crucial to catch up with international standards.

Similarly, sports journalist Bose, who covered the recent Paris Olympics, pointed out the importance of nurturing the talent pool of Indian athletes, particularly the 70 Olympic debutants in Paris. “Building on this foundation is as important as hosting the Games,” Bose said. “We need to focus on their development and coaching to ensure they become medal-winning contenders.”

In Indonesia, sports law expert Eko Noer Kristiyanto urged the government to thoroughly consider the rationale behind their bid. He raised concerns about the nation’s readiness, highlighting the significant infrastructure gap compared to developed countries. “The 2036 Olympics are only 12 years away. How can we prepare adequate infrastructure in such a short time frame?” he questioned.

Kristiyanto further suggested that private sector involvement and collaboration with another country could be potential solutions to overcome the challenges.

Indonesian Badminton Association representative, Permadi, echoed the importance of government support not only in infrastructure development but also in fostering high-quality athletes. He emphasized that a poorly-prepared Olympics would severely damage the country’s image.

Both nations face the daunting task of bridging the gap in infrastructure and athlete development before taking on the responsibility of hosting the Olympic Games. Experts advise prioritizing these areas before jumping into the bid, ensuring a successful and impactful event for their respective countries.

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