India and Qatar have both expressed their ambitions to host the 2036 Olympics, as confirmed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) among seven competing bids. These two nations have been considered strong contenders for the hosting rights, with the IOC looking to make a decision in 2029 through a vote involving over 100 members.
Apart from India and Qatar, other countries like South Africa, South Korea, Germany, Hungary, and Turkey are also exploring potential hosting opportunities for the 2040 and even 2044 editions of the Olympics. According to IOC President Kirsty Coventry, the primary focus for any Olympic Games should always remain on the athletes.
The IOC has set a deadline of October 31 for additional national Olympic bodies to join the bidding process for the 2036 Olympics. India’s proposal revolves around the city of Ahmedabad, which is slated to host the Commonwealth Games in 2030 and boasts the world’s largest cricket stadium named after Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Qatar, on the other hand, has a track record of hosting major sporting events, including the upcoming 2022 World Cup. Their bid for the Olympics could potentially involve spreading events across Gulf countries, expanding beyond Doha. If Qatar wins the hosting rights, it may lead to a shift from the traditional July-August timeframe for the Summer Games, a schedule in place since 2004.
The IOC’s executive board, led by Coventry, is expected to shortlist candidates in March to proceed with detailed project development. The target for the final vote to determine the 2036 host aligns with the conventional timeline for selecting Summer Games hosts, marking a departure from the expedited process that led to Brisbane being chosen as the 2032 host without a competitive bid.
Following Coventry’s decision to halt the accelerated selection process upon assuming office in June 2025, the timeline for awarding future Olympic Games has been revised, providing more time for evaluation and decision-making. India and Qatar, along with other national Olympic representatives, presented their hosting plans during the 2024 Olympics in Paris, setting the stage for a competitive bid process leading up to the 2036 Games.
