PARIS (Kashmir English): Seven countries including India, Turkiye and Qatar have so far declared interest in hosting 2036 Summer Olympics.
Germany, Hungary, South Korea and South Africa make up the rest of the current list issued by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Other nations have until October 31 to declare an interest.
In March next year, the IOC Executive Board will draw up a shortlist of the interested nations, who will then enter dialogue with the Olympic body.
According to the IOC, the 2036 hosts would be assessed on factors such as funding and political and public support.
“Wherever the Games take place, one thing must never change: athletes have to be at the heart of everything we do,” IOC President Kirsty Coventry said in a statement.
“That is why, for every future host, delivering the best possible experience for the athletes must always be the starting point,” the Zimbabwean former swimmer added.
It is for the first time that India has stated its intention to host an Olympics, centred on Ahmedabad, the key city in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s home state of Gujarat.
Rehearsal for an Olympics
The Gujarat city will also be hosting the 2030 multi-sport Commonwealth Games, seen as a major rehearsal for an Olympics. The city is also home to the world’s largest cricket stadium.
South Africa hosted the 2010 football World Cup and the 1995 Rugby World Cup but never hosted an Olympics.
Qatar hosted the 2022 football World Cup. An Olympics in the Gulf would have to be moved to later than its traditional July-August slot due to the severe heat.
Last month, the German National Olympic Committee approved Munich as its candidate city for a Games that will take place a centenary after the infamous 1936 Berlin Olympics, which were overseen by the Nazi regime.
Los Angeles will host the 2028 Summer Olympics, while Brisbane has been awarded the 2032 edition.
