International Olympic Committee Confirms Seven Bidders for 2036 Olympic Games
The International Olympic Committee has confirmed seven countries, including India and Qatar, as formal bidders for the 2036 Olympic Games, with one bid potentially marking the first time the Summer Games are held in Africa.
Topeka, KS, October 6, 2026 — The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has officially announced that seven countries have submitted formal bids to host the 2036 Olympic Games. This significant development opens the door for a potential historic moment in the Olympic movement, as one of the bids could bring the Summer Games to the African continent for the first time.
Among the confirmed formal bidders are India and Qatar. The specific identities of the other five bidding nations were not provided in the initial announcement. The IOC has not yet disclosed which of the seven potential hosts is the bid that could lead to the Summer Olympics being held in Africa.
The process for selecting the host city for the Olympic Games involves multiple stages, including dialogue with potential hosts and detailed evaluations of their proposed plans. The IOC aims to select hosts that can deliver a successful and sustainable Games.
The confirmation of these seven formal bidders marks a crucial step in the journey toward the 2036 Summer Olympics. The IOC typically enters into a dialogue phase with preferred candidates before making a final decision, often several years in advance of the Games themselves. Information regarding the specific timeline for the selection process or the evaluation criteria for these bids was not immediately available.
The possibility of an African nation hosting the Summer Games for the first time is a prospect that has been discussed within sporting and international development circles for some time. Such an event would represent a significant milestone for the continent, potentially boosting infrastructure, tourism, and international standing.
Further details regarding the remaining bidders, the specific proposals put forth by each nation, and the timeline for future stages of the selection process are expected to be released by the International Olympic Committee as the bidding phase progresses.
Story summarized from the original created by GRAHAM DUNBAR, Associated Press on www.ksnt.com, see more information here.
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