South Africa hope to host first African Olympics

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has confirmed that South Africa is one of seven countries expressing interest in hosting the 2036 Olympic Games, making it the first African host. Hungary, India, Qatar, Turkey, Germany, and South Korea are also in the race, with Berlin, Munich, Budapest, Doha, and Istanbul being the potential host cities.

The IOC has set a deadline of October 31 for submissions of stated interest, with virtual presentations to be made by interested parties to the future host commission in November. IOC feasibility assessments will be conducted by March 2027. South Africa's proposal involves hosting the Games between Cape Town, Durban, and Johannesburg.

Durban had previously been set to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games before withdrawing in 2017. Ahmedabad, India, will be the host city in the Indian bid, having hosted four of the last five finals in cricket's Indian Premier League. Budapest, Hungary, and Doha, Qatar, will be the host cities in their respective bids. Istanbul, Turkey, is also bidding for the 2036 Games, with Istanbul having bid unsuccessfully for the 2000, 2008, and 2020 Games.

Germany and South Korea are part of the discussions about hosting future Olympic Games beyond 2036. The UK government has expressed interest in supporting potential bids for the Olympics and Paralympics in the 2040s. Los Angeles will host the 2028 Games, while Australia will host the event for the first time in 32 years when Brisbane stages the Games in 2032.