IOC begins formal process as India, Qatar, South Africa and four others seek to stage the 2036 Summer Games
India has been confirmed among seven countries interested in hosting the 2036 Summer Olympics, moving its long-standing ambition to stage the Games into a formal selection process led by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
The IOC on Tuesday listed India, Qatar, South Africa, Germany, Hungary, Turkiye and South Korea as the current interested parties. Countries that have not yet declared an interest have until October 31 to do so.
India is seeking to host the Olympics for the first time, with Ahmedabad at the centre of its proposed plan. The Gujarat city is due to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, an event expected to provide experience in organising a major multi-sport competition. Ahmedabad is also home to the Narendra Modi Stadium, the world’s largest cricket stadium.
The IOC’s next major step will come in November, when the interested parties are expected to present their Games projects to the Future Host Commission. The Executive Board will shortlist candidates in March 2027 for the next stage of discussions.
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The bids will be assessed on several factors, including venue plans, athlete experience, funding arrangements, political and public support, the ability to deliver the Games and their long-term benefits for host communities
South Africa’s bid could potentially bring the Olympics to Africa for the first time. The country has previously hosted major global sporting events, including the 2010 FIFA World Cup and 1995 Rugby World Cup.
Qatar, meanwhile, hosted the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2006 Asian Games, while Germany, Hungary, Turkiye and South Korea bring previous Olympic experience or established bids to the contest.
The IOC is expected to identify preferred hosts in 2028, with the final decision on the 2036 Games host scheduled for mid-2029.
