India Among Seven Bidders For 2036 Olympics
India is among seven countries that have expressed interest in hosting the 2036 Olympic Games and will present their projects to the International Olympic Committee’s Future Host Commission in November.
The IOC on Tuesday said Germany, Hungary, India, Qatar, South Korea, South Africa and Turkiye are currently in continuous dialogue with the world governing body over their bids.
The projects will be assessed on technical factors including venue master plans, athlete experience, funding strategies, political and public support, Games delivery capabilities and plans for creating a long-term legacy for host communities.
Ahmedabad Is India’s Choice
Ahmedabad is India’s preferred city to host the mega-event, which has never been held in the country.
India submitted its Expression of Interest to host the 2036 Olympics in 2024. The host selection process was later paused by new IOC President Kirsty Coventry, who said feedback from member nations would be sought to streamline the process.
The IOC said the seven interested parties have been invited to present their projects in November, although it did not provide an exact schedule for the presentations.
With the deadline approaching, the IOC also said no additional interested parties will be considered for the 2036 Games after October 31.
India’s bid will be led by the Indian Olympic Association in collaboration with the Gujarat government and with support from the Union Sports Ministry.
IOC Focuses On Athlete Experience
The host of the 2036 Olympics is expected to be selected in mid-2029.
Coventry, a five-time Olympian, stressed that athletes must remain at the centre of the selection and hosting process.
“I was fortunate to compete at five Olympic Games, across four continents. Each had their own character. Each host brought something unique through its people, its culture and the way it chose to stage the Games,” Coventry said.
“But wherever the Games take place, one thing must never change: athletes have to be at the heart of everything we do.”
The IOC also said it is holding non-committal talks with a number of National Olympic Committees about hosting Olympic Games beyond 2036.
