Seven nations enter race to host 2036 Olympic Games

In a shift in the global sports diplomacy landscape, seven nations have officially entered the race to host the 2036 Olympic Games. South Africa, keen to become the first African host, has expressed interest. If successful, South Africa would break new ground for a continent that has yet to stage the Games. Other contenders include Hungary, India, Qatar, Turkey, Germany, and South Korea, with Germany and South Korea having previously hosted the Summer Olympics.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has confirmed the seven countries are in continuous dialogue, with a submission deadline of October 31 for expressed interest. Virtual presentations by interested parties are scheduled for November, followed by feasibility assessments by March 2027.

For South Africa, hosting would involve three cities – Cape Town, Durban, and Johannesburg. This decentralized model aims to distribute economic benefits and utilize existing infrastructure. However, significant logistical challenges remain, such as Durban's previous withdrawal from the 2022 Commonwealth Games due to financial constraints.

Asian nations are also making strong bids. India's proposal includes Ahmedabad, which will host the 2030 Commonwealth Games and is set to host the 2038 Asian Games. Ahmedabad boasts modern sporting venues, including the Narendra Modi stadium, a 132,000-capacity cricket ground. Qatar, which recently hosted the 2022 World Cup, and Hungary, which hosted the 2022 World Aquatics and 2023 World Athletics championships, are also contenders.

European and East Asian bidders rely on historical successes and strategic adaptations. Turkey’s Istanbul has previously bid for the Olympics four times, most recently in 2020. Germany, having hosted the Olympics twice, is seeking a historic return. South Korea, which hosted the 1988 Games, is part of a bid involving North Jeolla Province.

Beyond 2036, the IOC has noted that several national Olympic committees are in talks about hosting future Games beyond the decade. The UK government, for instance, is in discussions about supporting potential bids in the 2040s. Meanwhile, the 2028 Games will be held in Los Angeles, and Australia will host the Olympics for the first time in 32 years when Brisbane stages the event in 2032.