Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Oct 7: India has formally entered the race to host the 2036 Summer Olympics, with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) confirming that seven countries have submitted bids or expressed formal interest in hosting the Games.
India and Qatar are the latest countries to submit their interest. South Africa, South Korea, Germany, Hungary and Turkey are also considering proposals for the 2036 edition, with some plans potentially extending to the 2040 and 2044 Games.
The IOC is expected to decide the host city in 2029, with its more than 100 members set to choose from shortlisted candidates.
IOC President Kirsty Coventry said athletes must remain at the centre of the selection process, stressing that their interests should be prioritised regardless of where the Games are held.
India’s proposal is centred on Ahmedabad, which is set to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. The country has expressed its interest in hosting the Olympics on several occasions in recent years.
Qatar’s sporting credentials include hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup and several world championships across major Olympic sports. Its proposal could include venues outside Doha and potentially involve neighbouring Gulf countries. Hosting the Summer Olympics in Qatar could also require a change from the traditional July-August schedule.
South Korea’s proposal is centred on Seoul, while Germany has selected Munich, which hosted the 1972 Olympics. South Africa is developing a national proposal centred on Cape Town, which could become the first African city to host a modern Summer Olympics.
Budapest and Istanbul are the proposed host cities for Hungary and Turkey respectively.
The IOC has set October 31 as the deadline for additional national Olympic committees to enter the 2036 process. A key stage is expected in March, when the IOC executive board is likely to select a shortlist of candidates for detailed proposals.
The final decision in 2029 is expected to involve a competitive selection process, with IOC members seeking greater involvement and multiple candidates on the final ballot.