Katar a 2036-os Olimpia megrendezésére pályázik
After the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the Persian Gulf nation does not want to let go of the torch of global sport and now fantasises about Olympic rings. At a recent key summit, Sheikha Hind defended Doha's bid, which would follow Brisbane, claiming the event would transform lives in the country.
Despite Germany's recent surge in the race to reclaim the Olympic mantle for Europe, contenders like India fading due to its tensions with Pakistan, some reckon we won't see the Games on European soil again until the 2040s. This can be seen in Volker Bouffier's speech; a member of the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) board, he confessed in late April that, in his view, "2036 isn't Europe's turn."
The bid is yet to be confirmed officially by the International Olympic Committee, but plenty of media outlets insisted at the end of last year that Doha and 2036 were inseparable when Olympic chatter arose. Over time, however, that narrative faded, until now. Senior officials from the small Arab state have once again entered the increasingly unstable arena, where surprising new contenders are gaining ground.
The idea of hosting the Games in Qatar goes beyond just sports. It represents a strategic effort to create lasting social, educational, and cultural impact in the Middle East. That was the core message from Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad al‑Thani during her address at the 'Olympism365 Summit: Sport for a Better World' last weekend, where she reiterated her nation's Olympic pursuit knows no borders.
Qatar has a population of just over 2.7 million, yet its international profile continues to grow. Since first competing in the 1984 Los Angeles Games, the country has earned a total of nine Olympic medals—four of which came during the recent Tokyo and Paris editions. Athletes like high-jumper Mutaz Essa Barshim have contributed to Qatar’s growing reputation in sports. The country has also shown a strong interest in hosting major events. The 2022 FIFA World Cup, won by Argentina, brought global attention, though it also sparked criticism over labour rights and LGBTQ+ issues. Nonetheless, it positioned Qatar as a serious candidate for future international events.
Sheikha Hind, vice-president of the Qatar Foundation and a member of the IOC's Olympic Education Commission, discussed the country's development as a hub for international sports, highlighting the 2022 World Cup as a key moment. "I was proud that we stayed true to our values," she said. Building on that momentum, she introduced Circle In, a joint initiative by the Qatar Foundation, Education Above All, and the IOC. The program aims to use sport to support social development across Asia, North Africa, and the Middle East.
"It's no secret that Qatar aspires to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2036," the 40-year-old said, before an audience of Olympic delegates, United Nations agencies, and development bodies. "As someone who leads an education‑focused foundation and witnessed the legacy forged through hosting the World Cup, I'm thrilled at the prospect of what different Olympic disciplines might generate in this context."
Moderated by journalist Benny Bonsu and featuring Dr. Najat Maalla, the UN's special representative to end violence against children, the session focused on sport’s role in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. In this context, Circle In emerges as a central pillar of the IOC’s Olympism365 strategy, initially aiming to transform the lives of up to 50,000 boys and girls and to train around 5,000 coaches, teachers, and mentors. The initiative focuses on gender inclusion, safe access to sport, and programme sustainability.
Beneath the data, what became clear was Qatar's strategic and values-driven approach to sport. According to Sheikha Hind, the country's sporting philosophy is rooted in a global exchange of knowledge, carefully adapted to fit Qatar's culture and values. "That's essential for any citizen, when an event of such magnitude mirrors the identity of its host country," she said.
The name Circle In reflects the concept of collaboration and unity, like the familiar pre-game huddle. It emphasises shared development. "This isn't about imposing something from the outside. We're focused on creating local solutions in partnership with communities," Sheikha Hind explained, highlighting the initiative's collaborative design. One concrete example of this approach is Qatar Foundation's therapeutic riding programmes for children with autism, showcasing how sport is used as a tool for social inclusion. "That's also sport, and equally valuable. In Qatar, sport and social development are closely linked," she concluded.
At the core of these efforts is Qatar's ambition to host the 2036 Olympic Games. While it faces strong competition from countries like Germany, India, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and South Korea, Qatar presents its bid as more than just a sporting proposal. Through the Qatar Foundation's focus on education and social impact, the country positions itself as offering a legacy-focused vision that aligns with the IOC's growing interest in sustainable, long-term outcomes.
Germany's DOSB-led process has reached an important stage, with strong institutional support and approval from the IOC. Meanwhile, in Asia and the Middle East, the competition is heating up. India is preparing for key meetings with the IOC Future Hosts Commission in Lausanne, while Qatar emphasises its modern sporting facilities, efficient logistics, and a clear plan that aligns with Olympic values.
Thomas Weikert, head of DOSB, believes that Germany's internal selection process will not only choose the strongest city but also develop a competitive proposal. However, the competition extends beyond Europe. Qatar's bid offers a unique advantage by presenting a new opportunity for the Olympic Movement, rather than relying on past successes.
