India is pushing ahead with an ambitious campaign to host the 2036 Olympic Games as the country attempts to establish itself as a major global sporting power.
Reuters reports that India is competing against potential hosts including Germany, Qatar, Hungary, Turkey, South Africa and South Korea.
Ahmedabad is expected to play a central role in the Indian proposal.
Indian Olympic Association chief executive Raghuram Iyer said the country views hosting the Olympics as part of a much larger plan to expand sporting participation, infrastructure and international performance.
India is already increasing the number of international competitions it hosts and aims to stage dozens of major events before 2028.
But the Olympic bid faces challenges.
India has dealt with governance disputes in sport, doping problems and criticism surrounding preparations for previous international events.
Its rivals also include countries with extensive experience hosting major competitions.
The International Olympic Committee is expected to narrow the field before members ultimately select the 2036 host, currently expected in 2029.
The race to host the Games is already becoming one of the biggest sports competitions taking place away from the field.
