South Africa aims to host first African Olympic Games in 2036 as seven nations express interest
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has officially acknowledged South Africa’s intention to bid for the 2036 Summer Olympics, a historic move that positions the nation as a potential first-time host for the event on the African continent. South Africa’s proposal centers around three major cities: Cape Town, Durban, and Johannesburg. Each city possesses unique capabilities to host a range of events, although Durban previously faced challenges in its hosting bid when it withdrew from organizing the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
In addition to South Africa, several other nations, including Hungary, India, Qatar, and Turkey, are actively pursuing Olympic hosting rights. Germany and South Korea, both of which have hosted the Summer Games in the past, are also in dialogue with the IOC regarding future participation. The IOC reports that these seven nations are involved in ongoing discussions, with a deadline set for October 31 for formal submissions indicating interest in hosting.
The next phase of this Olympic bidding process will involve virtual presentations from all interested parties, scheduled to take place in November. Following these presentations, the IOC will conduct feasibility assessments of the proposals, culminating in evaluations that will be completed by March 2027. This timeline allows the respective national Olympic committees, which have declared their intentions to consider submitting bids, to engage in strategic dialogues with the IOC.
India’s bid features Ahmedabad as the proposed host city, coinciding with its forthcoming participation in the Commonwealth Games in 2030 and its aspirations for the 2038 Asian Games. With a stadium capacity of 132,000, the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad has hosted several high-profile cricket events, further enhancing its profile.
Regarding the European bids, Istanbul is expected to represent Turkey, which has previously bid for the Olympics multiple times without success. Budapest and Doha, the capitals of Hungary and Qatar respectively, are also contenders; Qatar hosted the 2022 FIFA World Cup, showcasing its capability to host international sporting events effectively.
Germany and South Korea bring historical context to their bids, with Germany having hosted in 1936 and 1972, while South Korea’s Seoul was the host city in 1988. Each of these hosting opportunities could influence not only national pride but also potential economic benefits tied to tourism and international exposure.
The IOC has indicated that various national Olympic committees are participating in preliminary discussions about potentially hosting events beyond 2036. Notably, the UK government has expressed its willingness to explore bids for the Olympics and Paralympics in the 2040s, signaling a continued interest in hosting large-scale sporting events.
As the Olympics evolve into the future, the upcoming years will witness increased competition among nations striving for the privilege of hosting this esteemed global gathering, with the role of sports in international diplomacy and cultural exchange continuing to grow.
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