Qatar and India are among seven countries that have formally expressed interest in hosting the 2036 Summer Olympic Games, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) said on Tuesday. The current list also includes South Africa, Türkiye, Germany, Hungary and South Korea, although other countries still have until October 31, 2026, to declare their interest. The IOC is expected to begin a more detailed assessment of the potential hosts next year. In March 2027, its Executive Board will draw up a shortlist of interested parties before entering a dialogue phase with the selected candidates. The fi

Qatar and India are among seven countries that have formally expressed interest in hosting the 2036 Summer Olympic Games, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) said on Tuesday. The current list also includes South Africa, Türkiye, Germany, Hungary and South Korea, although other countries still have until October 31, 2026, to declare their interest. The IOC is expected to begin a more detailed assessment of the potential hosts next year. In March 2027, its Executive Board will draw up a shortlist of interested parties before entering a dialogue phase with the selected candidates. The final decision is expected in mid-2029, with the preferred host to be identified in 2028. Qatar is seeking to build on its experience hosting major international sporting events. The Gulf country hosted the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2006 Asian Games, and is scheduled to host the Asian Games again in 2030. A Qatari Olympics would also raise questions over scheduling because of the region’s extreme summer temperatures. The Games traditionally take place in July and August, meaning organisers would likely need to consider a different time of year. India is also pursuing its first Olympic Games, with Ahmedabad identified as the centre of its proposal. The city is due to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, which could serve as an important test of its ability to stage a major multi-sport event. South Africa, meanwhile, would be seeking to bring the Olympics to the African continent for the first time. The country has previously hosted major global sporting events, including the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 1995 Rugby World Cup, but has never hosted the Olympics. Germany’s proposal centres on Munich, while Türkiye is again seeking to bring the Games to Istanbul after the city finished runner-up in the bidding for the 2020 Olympics. The IOC says potential hosts will be assessed on factors including financing, political support and public backing, with the experience and welfare of athletes remaining a central consideration. The 2028 Olympics will be held in Los Angeles, followed by Brisbane in 2032. The 2036 Games will therefore become the next major prize in the international competition to host the world’s largest multi-sport event.

A little more informed. A little more connected.