India and Qatar have both officially declared their aspirations to host the 2036 Olympics, according to the International Olympic Committee (IOC). They are two out of the seven contenders in the bidding process for the event. The decision for the host of the 2036 Olympics is expected to be made in 2029 through a vote involving over 100 IOC members.
In addition to India and Qatar, other countries like South Africa, South Korea, Germany, Hungary, and Turkey are also exploring potential hosting opportunities for the 2040 and 2044 editions. IOC President Kirsty Coventry emphasized the importance of keeping athletes at the core of all Olympic activities, regardless of the hosting location.
Interested national Olympic committees have until October 31 to join the 2036 bidding process. India’s proposal focuses on Ahmedabad, the city set to host the Commonwealth Games in 2030. Qatar, known for hosting various top-tier sporting events, including the 2022 FIFA World Cup, is considering expanding its bid to involve neighboring Gulf countries for certain Olympic events.
If Qatar wins the bid, it could lead to a shift in the traditional July-August timeframe for the Summer Games, a schedule in place since the 2004 Athens Olympics. The IOC plans to finalize a shortlist of potential host cities in March for further project development, with a target of selecting the 2036 host through a competitive vote in 2029.
The decision-making process for the 2036 Olympics has been extended compared to initial expectations, as the IOC under Coventry’s leadership opted to halt the accelerated selection process used for Brisbane’s uncontested bid for the 2032 Games. The postponement allows for a more thorough and transparent approach in choosing future Olympic hosts.