The race to host the 2036 Summer Olympics has officially taken shape, with seven countries expressing interest in staging one of the world’s largest sporting events. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) confirmed that Germany, Hungary, India, Qatar, South Korea, South Africa, and Türkiye are currently engaged in discussions regarding a potential bid for the Games.
The announcement marks the beginning of a highly competitive selection process that could redefine the future landscape of Olympic hosting. With Los Angeles set to host the 2028 Olympics and Brisbane preparing for 2032, attention is now turning toward the next destination for the Games.
Among the contenders, South Africa’s campaign has drawn significant attention due to its ambition to become the first African nation ever to host the Summer Olympics. The country’s participation has added a historic dimension to the evolving 2036 Olympic Games Bid process.
South Africa Eyes a Historic First for Africa
The South African bid is anticipated to have several cities such as Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban participate. In case the bid succeeds, the country will make a breakthrough that it has been unable to reach since the advent of the modern Olympic movement in 1896.
The country has shown it is able to host international sporting events before, with the 2010 FIFA World Cup being a good example. Advocates of the 2036 Olympic Games Bid believe that previous experience in hosting sporting events will be an added advantage when dealing with IOC.
Nevertheless, experts view the competition as stiff, with many nations having strong bids for hosting the games.
India and Qatar Among Leading Contenders
One of the most interesting features of the bid is India’s Olympic aspirations. The country wants to host the Olympic Games for the very first time in its history, and Ahmedabad has been chosen as the heart of India’s Olympic bid.
Qatar is another strong contender in this race. Having successfully hosted the FIFA World Cup in 2022 and other sporting events, the Gulf state wants to become the first Muslim-majority state to host the Olympic Games.
In addition, Hungary and Türkiye have already tried to host the Olympics before, whereas Germany and South Korea have experience with the Olympics in the past.
How the Selection Process Will Work
A detailed evaluation process has been set by the IOC for the 2036 Olympic Games bid. Nations that will bid to host the games will present their projects in front of the IOC’s Future Host Commission, and these projects will be evaluated based on various factors such as venue plans, athlete experience, finance, politics, sustainability, and legacy.
It is anticipated that a short list of candidates favored by the IOC will be prepared after feasibility studies in 2027, and then the IOC will engage in targeted discussions with these chosen bidders before taking a final decision on voting for the host in 2029.
What the IOC Is Looking For
“Future Host Nations Should Prioritize Athletes When Building Their Unique Olympic Experience,” says IOC President Kirsty Coventry. In addition to evaluating the technical expertise of the countries bidding, the organization will also assess how they see the Olympics and what legacy they can leave.
This implies that every 2036 Olympic Games bid will be assessed based on its success in striking a balance between sport, economy, sustainability, and community.”
Looking Ahead
With the presence of seven countries vying for the honors of hosting the 2036 Olympics, it is set to be one of the most fiercely contested bids in recent years. The host country will have far-reaching ramifications for the global world of sports and international development in whatever continent it turns out to be: Africa, Asia, Europe, or the Middle East.
For South Africa, the bid is more than just a game. Winning the 2036 Olympic Games Bid means that Africa will finally take center stage in the Olympic movement