Seven Nations Express Interest in Hosting 2036 Summer Olympics

Key Takeaways

India, Qatar and South Africa among seven countries interested in hosting the 2036 Summer Olympics.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) will draw up a shortlist in March 2027.
Athletes' experience will be a key factor in the selection process.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has confirmed that India, Qatar, and South Africa are among the seven nations expressing interest in hosting the 2036 Summer Olympics. The other countries in the running are Germany, Hungary, Turkey, and South Korea.

The IOC has set a deadline of October 31 for other countries to declare their interest in hosting the Games. The decision-making process will culminate in March 2027, when the IOC Executive Board will draw up a shortlist of the interested parties.

The selection process will be rigorous, with the IOC assessing potential hosts based on factors such as funding, political and public support, and the overall experience for athletes. IOC President Kirsty Coventry emphasized that athletes must remain at the heart of the decision-making process, stating, 'Wherever the Games take place, one thing must never change: athletes have to be at the heart of everything we do.'

India has expressed its intention to host the Olympics for the first time, with Ahmedabad, a key city in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s home state of Gujarat, being the proposed host. Ahmedabad will also host the 2030 multi-sport Commonwealth Games, which is seen as a major rehearsal for the Olympics. The city is also home to the world’s largest cricket stadium, adding to its appeal.

South Africa, which hosted the 2010 football World Cup and the 1995 Rugby World Cup, has never hosted an Olympics. The country hopes to capitalize on its experience in hosting major sporting events to secure the 2036 Games. The South African Olympic Committee is working towards this goal, with the country’s bid being seen as a significant opportunity.

Qatar, which hosted the 2022 football World Cup, is also considering a bid for the 2036 Olympics. However, an Olympics in the Gulf would have to be moved to a later date due to the extreme heat, which typically prevails during the traditional July-August slot.

Germany has selected Munich as its candidate city for the 2036 Summer Olympics, with the Games set to take place a century after the infamous 1936 Berlin Olympics, which were overseen by the Nazi regime. The German National Olympic Committee’s decision reflects a desire to move beyond the shadow of that historical event.

Turkey, which came second in the bidding for the 2020 Summer Olympics, is hoping to improve its standing this time around. The Turkish Olympic authorities are optimistic about their chances, with Istanbul seen as a strong contender.

The 2028 Summer Olympics will take place in Los Angeles, while Brisbane has been awarded the 2032 edition. This leaves the 2036 Games as a highly sought-after opportunity for the remaining interested nations.