Qatar and India among seven countries bidding for 2036 Olympics, IOC says

What the report says

The International Olympic Committee says Qatar and India are among seven countries currently interested in hosting the 2036 Summer Olympics, according to Al Jazeera’s report based on an AFP dispatch. The IOC list also includes South Africa, Turkiye, Germany, Hungary and South Korea, with other countries given until October 31 to express interest.

Al Jazeera reported that Qatar has already staged major international sporting events, including the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2006 Asian Games, and is set to host the Asian Games again in 2030. India, meanwhile, is seeking to host an Olympics for the first time, with Ahmedabad identified as the main centre of its effort. The city is also scheduled to stage the 2030 Commonwealth Games, which could serve as a test run for a larger event.

The IOC said it will narrow the field in March 2027 before entering further dialogue with interested bidders. A final decision is expected in mid-2029, while the preferred hosts are due to be named in 2028. The IOC said bids will be judged on issues such as financing and political and public backing.

The report adds broader context that a Gulf Olympics would likely need a different timing than the usual July-August window because of heat, while Munich has been selected as Germany’s candidate and South Korea, South Africa and Turkiye are also pursuing the Games.