IOC confirms India, Germany, Qatar, Hungary, Türkiye, South Africa and South Korea are in preliminary discussions to host the 2036 Games.
WEB DESK: India is among seven countries currently in discussions with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) over hosting the 2036 Summer Olympics, the global governing body confirmed on Tuesday.
Germany, Hungary, India, Qatar, the Republic of Korea, South Africa and Türkiye are currently in what the IOC describes as continuous dialogue regarding their interest in staging the Games.
The announcement formally sets out the field of countries currently involved in the 2036 hosting process, although other national Olympic committees can still express interest before the October 31 deadline.
India seeks first Olympic hosting
India is seeking to host the Olympics for the first time.
Its plans have centred on Ahmedabad in Gujarat, which is scheduled to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. The city is also home to the Narendra Modi Stadium, one of the world’s largest cricket venues.
India submitted a letter of intent to host the 2036 Games in October 2024, beginning its formal engagement with the IOC over a potential bid.
Seven countries in current dialogue
The seven countries currently identified by the IOC are:
- India
- Germany
- Qatar
- Hungary
- Türkiye
- South Africa
- Republic of Korea
The group includes countries with previous Olympic hosting experience as well as nations seeking to stage the Games for the first time. South Korea previously hosted the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul and the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, while Germany hosted the Summer Games in Berlin in 1936 and Munich in 1972.
Qatar, South Africa and other bids
Qatar is seeking to become the first Muslim-majority country to host the Olympics. Doha previously bid unsuccessfully for the 2016 and 2020 Games and later hosted the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
South Africa is seeking to become the first African country to host the Olympic Games. The country has previously staged major international sporting events, including the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Germany’s current proposal centres on Munich, while Türkiye is again pursuing an Olympic bid through Istanbul after several previous unsuccessful attempts.
IOC outlines selection timeline
The IOC has introduced a revised process for selecting the 2036 host.
The Executive Board is expected to draw up a shortlist in March 2027, after which selected candidates will move into further dialogue with the Olympic body. Preferred host candidates are expected to be identified in 2028, with the final host scheduled to be elected by IOC members in mid-2029.
The IOC said bids will be assessed on factors including venue planning, athlete experience, funding strategies, political and public support, Games-delivery capability and long-term benefits for host communities.
IOC President Kirsty Coventry said the experience of athletes should remain central to the selection process, regardless of where the Games are ultimately held.
Los Angeles and Brisbane to host next two Games
The 2028 Summer Olympics will be held in Los Angeles, United States, while Brisbane, Australia, is scheduled to host the 2032 Games.
The 2036 edition is therefore the next Summer Olympics without an appointed host. The IOC’s final decision is expected in 2029.
For India, a successful bid would represent the country’s first hosting of an Olympic Games. However, the country remains one of several interested parties and no host has yet been selected.
