India and Qatar among seven contenders as race to host 2036 Olympics takes shape

2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad (AP Photo) India’s ambition to host the 2036 Olympics took another big step forward as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Tuesday confirmed the country among seven contenders in the race to host the summer games. Qatar, South Korea, Germany, Hungary, Turkey and South Africa are the other countries currently in talks with the IOC, setting up what could be one of the most competitive Olympic competitions in years.The IOC aims to select the 2036 host in 2029 by a vote of more than 100 members. The timeline represents a return to a more traditional competition process after the quick and largely closed approach used to award the 2032 Brisbane Games. The IOC also retained the option of extending discussions towards the 2040 and 2044 years.

Ahmedabad at the heart of India’s Olympic ambitions

India’s proposal centers on Ahmedabad, which is slated to host the Commonwealth Games in 2030 and boasts the Narendra Modi Stadium, the largest cricket stadium in the world. India has openly sought the Olympics for several years, with the country’s sports administration unveiling its ambitions during the 2024 Paris Games.Qatar, another prominent contender, has gained considerable experience in hosting major international sporting events, including the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the World Championships in several Olympic sports. Its proposal focuses on Doha, although as the bid evolves the possibility of involving other Gulf neighbors could arise.The main theme of the Olympic Games in Qatar will be the traditional July-August. The Summer Games have been held in these months at every edition from Athens 2004 to Brisbane 2032, but the extreme summer temperatures in Qatar could require a change to the established calendar.

Seven offers and more time to compete

South Korea’s proposal would be anchored in Seoul, which hosted the 1988 Olympics, while events could spread across the country. Germany’s bid centers on Munich, which previously hosted the Summer Games in 1972. South Africa is proposing a national bid centered on Cape Town, seeking the first African-hosted Summer Olympics of the modern era.Hungary and Turkey proposed Budapest and Istanbul as their proposed host cities. The IOC has set October 31 as the deadline for other National Olympic Committees to express interest in entering the 2036 event. It has also published a 30-page document outlining the framework and requirements for potential bidders.Another major milestone will come in March, when the IOC Executive Committee, chaired by President Kirsty Coventry, is expected to approve a shortlist of candidates to continue developing detailed hosting projects.

The IOC promises a wider choice ahead of the 2029 vote

Coventry, a two-time Olympic swimming champion, has changed her approach to choosing future hosts since taking over as IOC president in June 2025. Her first major decision was to suspend the previous fast-track process, giving IOC members a greater say in host selection.IOC members have expressed a desire for a real choice between multiple candidates, rather than simply supporting a preferred option presented by the executive committee. A potential vote is now targeted for 2029, giving the shortlisted bidders roughly two and a half years to develop and promote their proposals.“Wherever the Games are held, one thing must never change: Athletes must be at the center of everything we do,” Coventry said.IOC members include sports administrators, current and former athletes, members of royal families, politicians, business leaders and personalities such as Oscar-winning actress Michelle Yeoh. India’s Nita Ambani and Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani are among those who could be on the ballot, adding another layer of interest to a contest that could eventually extend beyond the 2036 Games.