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The race to host the Summer Games in a decade is wide open. India and Qatar are expected to bid, with Saudi Arabia, South Korea, South Africa, Türkiye, Chile, Egypt, Hungary, Italy, Denmark, and Canada also in the mix.
The International Olympic Committee has engaged with up to 10 national Olympic committees or regions about the Games, though the depth of these discussions varies. The growing diversity of candidates reflects both the appeal of the Olympics as a global stage and the IOC's aim to encourage new regions to host while maintaining financial and operational feasibility.
Former Croatian President and IOC member Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic spoke to the press on Tuesday during a gathering ahead of the 145th IOC Session in Milan, where the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina were discussed, and emphasised the need to refine the Olympic host selection process. "While there is no desire to return to the costly pre-2019 bidding process, the current election process requires refinement," she said.
The 57-year-old, who chairs a working group on Olympic host designation established by IOC President Kirsty Coventry, said the process requires "structured timelines, increased transparency and more meaningful participation by IOC members." Rijeka-born Grabar-Kitarovic added that the reforms aim to strengthen legitimacy and fairness in future selections, "Clear criteria, documented procedures and more regular updates for both IOC members and interested parties would build legitimacy and guard against perceptions of favoritism."
India are eyeing the 2036 Olympics. / GETTY IMAGES
"We acknowledge that the current binary distinction between continuous and targeted dialogue may be too sharp, and we propose a transitional stage to allow shortlisting of a limited number of interested parties with advanced projects for deeper assessment. The evaluation should be based on transparent criteria published in advance, which could include the importance of venue master plans, clarity on the sports programme, financial guarantees, and the added value of prior experience in hosting multi-sport events. A more predictable process could encourage wider participation and reduce the risk of failed or overly expensive bids," Grabar-Kitarovic explained.
Since 2019, when Thomas Bach was IOC president, the global body has overhauled the way Games hosts are chosen, seeking to attract more candidates, reduce costs, and avoid public embarrassment for unsuccessful bids. Gone are the suspense-filled elections held seven years ahead of the Games, where winners were announced from envelopes during live broadcasts after expensive promotional campaigns. Under the current system, negotiations remain confidential until a 'preferred host' is selected behind closed doors by the IOC Executive Board and later approved by roughly 100 IOC members in a session.
The current approach has produced extremes: Brisbane was awarded the 2032 Olympics 11 years in advance, while the 2030 Winter Games in the French Alps were granted less than six years before the event, with venue maps, sports programmes, and detailed budgets still being finalised. Potential hosts must now demonstrate strong infrastructure, financial guarantees, and governmental support, which has created an advantage for countries with prior experience in large-scale events.
Türkiye are one of several nations keen on the Games. / GETTY IMAGES
Among the confirmed and likely bidders, Qatar plans a bid centred on Doha, leveraging its 2022 FIFA World Cup experience and ready infrastructure. India's bid, likely focusing on Ahmedabad, builds on its growing role in global sport following the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Delhi. South Korea has selected North Jeolla Province as its candidate, while Chile is exploring Santiago after hosting the 2023 Pan American Games. Türkiye is also considering Istanbul, drawing on its experience from multiple past Olympic bids.
Other nations reportedly monitoring or exploring early-stage discussions include Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Hungary, Italy, Denmark, Canada and South Africa, though they are expected to target 2040. Analysts say that emerging regions may see hosting as a way to boost tourism, urban development, and global prestige.
With the 2036 race shaping up as one of the most competitive and geographically diverse in decades, the IOC's proposed reforms, including transparent evaluation criteria, transitional stages for shortlisting, and more meaningful member participation, are intended to ensure that future Olympic host cities are chosen fairly, efficiently, and with credibility. Observers note that with these changes, the IOC hopes to strike a balance between encouraging ambitious bids and preventing financially or logistically risky projects.