India, Qatar, South Africa Confirm Interest in Hosting 2036 Olympics

LAUSANNE: India, Qatar, and South Africa are among seven nations expressing interest in hosting the 2036 Summer Olympics, as confirmed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Tuesday. The list also includes Germany, Hungary, Turkey, and South Korea, with other countries having until October 31 to declare their interest.

The IOC plans to shortlist candidates in March 2027, after which selected nations will engage in discussions with the Olympic body. IOC President Kirsty Coventry emphasized the importance of prioritizing athletes, stating, “Wherever the Games take place, one thing must never change: athletes have to be at the heart of everything we do.”

This marks India’s first bid to host the Olympics, with Ahmedabad as the focal point, coinciding with its role as the venue for the 2030 multi-sport Commonwealth Games. The bid reflects India’s growing ambition in the global sports arena, aiming to enhance its international profile and infrastructure.

As the deadline approaches, the IOC will evaluate potential hosts based on funding, political backing, and public support. The upcoming years will be crucial for the interested nations as they prepare for the IOC’s assessment and the subsequent dialogue that will shape the future of the Olympic Games.