Map Shows 7 Countries Bidding for 2036 Olympics

Seven countries are racing to host the 2036 Summer Olympic Games. The International Olympic Committee, known as the IOC, announced that Germany, Hungary, India, Qatar, South Korea, South Africa, and Turkey all want to bring the Games to their nation. For several of these countries, it would be their very first time hosting the Olympics. The IOC will choose a winner by mid-2029.

The IOC recently changed how it picks host cities. Countries have until October 31 to say they are interested. Those already in talks will share their plans in November, and the IOC will create a shortlist in March 2027. By December 2028, the IOC will pick its top choices, and members will vote on a final host in mid-2029.

The IOC will look at things like sports facilities, money, government support, and how the Games will help local communities long after the event ends. IOC President Kirsty Coventry shared a clear message: 'Athletes have to be at the heart of everything we do.' Her words set the tone for what the IOC expects from any country that wants to host.

Munich, a city in southern Germany, wants to host the Summer Olympics for the second time, having last held the Games in 1972. Germany's Olympic Sports Confederation chose Munich on September 26, beating out a rival proposal from the Cologne-Rhine-Ruhr region. Germany is open to hosting in 2036, 2040, or 2044. About half of the competitions would be held at Munich's Olympic Park, which was built for the 1972 Games.

Hungary's capital city, Budapest, is hoping to host its first-ever Olympics. The city sits along the Danube River and has already welcomed big events like the 2022 World Aquatics Championships. Hungary's plan focuses on using venues it already has, and officials are even thinking about holding some events in nearby Austria and Slovakia. However, political support remains uncertain after a recent change in government.

India is hoping to host the Olympics for the very first time, with Ahmedabad as its proposed host city. The city is already getting ready to hold the 2030 Commonwealth Games and is home to the world's largest cricket stadium. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has strongly supported India's Olympic bid, calling it a chance to build better sports facilities and inspire young athletes. He outlined plans to find and train young sporting talent across the entire country.

Qatar wants to bring the Olympics to the Middle East for the first time ever. The country has experience with huge events, including the 2022 FIFA World Cup. One major challenge is Qatar's extremely hot summer climate, which would likely require the Games to be moved outside the usual July-August schedule. Bid Committee CEO Fatima Al Kuwari called the announcement 'just the beginning of a long journey.'

South Korea already hosted the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul and the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang. Now it wants to host the Summer Games again, with the city of Jeonju leading the bid after winning a national selection process. However, concerns about hotels, transportation, and facilities have led officials to consider jointly hosting with Seoul, about 200 kilometers away. Seoul's mayor said he was open to the idea, but details have not yet been agreed upon.

South Africa is trying to make history by becoming the first African country to ever host the Olympic Games. Its proposal includes three cities: Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban. Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie has argued that hosting would be a powerful chance to showcase the African continent to the world. South African Olympic Committee President Barry Hendricks confirmed preparations are already underway for a possible bid.

Istanbul, Turkey's largest city, has been trying to host the Olympics for decades, having bid for the 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012, and 2020 Games. The city is unique because it stretches across both Europe and Asia. Turkey is also planning to host the 2027 European Games, which could help show it is ready for an even bigger event. Sports Minister Osman Aşkın Bak called Istanbul a strong candidate for 2036.