The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has confirmed that South Africa is among seven countries interested in hosting the 2036 summer Olympics. This would mark a historic first for Africa, with South Africa hoping to capitalize on its rich sporting heritage and modern infrastructure. The country's bid involves hosting events across three cities: Cape Town, Durban, and Johannesburg. Durban had previously been set to host the Commonwealth Games in 2022 but withdrew in 2017.
South Africa is not alone in its bid, with Hungary, India, Qatar, and Turkey also vying to become first-time hosts. Germany and South Korea, both previous Olympic hosts, are also in discussions with the IOC. The IOC has set a deadline of October 31 for submissions of stated interest, with virtual presentations to be given by interested parties in November. The IOC's future host commission will then conduct feasibility assessments by March 2027.
India's bid is centered around Ahmedabad, which is set to host the Commonwealth Games in 2030 and has bid for the 2038 Asian Games. The city boasts the Narendra Modi stadium, which has a capacity of 132,000 and has hosted several high-profile cricket matches. Budapest and Doha are the nominated cities in Hungary and Qatar's bids, respectively. Both cities have previously hosted major international events, including the 2022 World Aquatics Championships and the 2022 World Cup.
Istanbul, Turkey's largest city, is the nominated host in Turkey's bid. Istanbul has previously bid unsuccessfully for the Olympics but is set to host the 2027 European Games. Germany, which hosted the Olympics in 1936 and 1972, is bidding again, with Munich being considered as a potential host. South Korea's bid involves the capital city of Seoul, which hosted the Games in 1988, and the province of North Jeolla.
The IOC has confirmed that several national Olympic committees are engaged in non-committal talks about hosting future Olympic Games beyond 2036. The UK government has expressed interest in supporting potential bids for the Olympics and Paralympics in the 2040s. This comes as the Olympic Games continue to grow in popularity, with the 2028 Games set to be held in Los Angeles and Brisbane hosting the event in 2032.
The bidding process for the 2036 Olympics is expected to be highly competitive, with several countries vying for the right to host. The IOC's focus on sustainability and legacy is likely to play a key role in the selection process. The successful bid will be expected to demonstrate a clear vision for the Games, as well as a commitment to hosting a sustainable and environmentally friendly event.
The 2036 Olympics will mark a significant milestone in the history of the Games, with the IOC seeking to build on the success of previous events. The host city will have the opportunity to showcase its culture, infrastructure, and hospitality to a global audience. With several countries still in the running, the competition for the right to host is set to be fierce.
Key points
- South Africa bids to host 2036 Olympics, a first for Africa.
- Seven countries express interest in hosting 2036 Olympics.
- IOC sets deadline of October 31 for submissions of stated interest.
