India, Qatar among seven bidders as race to host 2036 Olympics takes shape

Seven nations, including India, Germany, and Qatar, are competing to host the 2036 Summer Olympics, according to the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The countries, who are engaged in preliminary discussions with the IOC, are expected to be narrowed down to a shortlist in March of the following year, with a strategic dialogue phase potentially following.

The IOC President, Kirsty Coventry, emphasized that athletes must remain at the center of all decisions, stating that the best possible experience for athletes should always be the starting point. India, the world's most populous nation, is seeking its first Olympics, while Qatar, which previously bid for the 2022 soccer World Cup, aims to be the first Muslim-majority nation to host the prestigious event.

Hungary, which previously bid for the 2024 Olympics and has never hosted the Games, is Germany's candidate. Turkey's Istanbul, which has failed in five previous attempts, represents Turkey's bid. South Africa, hoping to become the first African host, boasts event experience from organizing the 2010 soccer World Cup. South Korea, having hosted both the summer and winter Olympics in Seoul (1988) and Pyeongchang (2018), is also in the running.

Preferred hosts will be announced after the dialogue phase in 2028, with a final decision anticipated in mid-2029. Only countries willing to participate in the strategic dialogue stage, introduced this year by Coventry, are eligible. Multiple countries are expected to be named as preferred hosts, unlike past bids where only one bid was considered by the IOC executive board. Los Angeles will host the 2028 Summer Games, followed by Brisbane, Australia, in 2032.