The battle for the host city of the 2036 Olympics, which the world is watching: From Asia to South America, five cities are seriously competing.

The bid for the Olympics is a grand stage where the ambitions and dreams of nations intersect. Currently, a fierce global competition is underway to determine the host city for 2036. Immediately after Brisbane hosted the 2032 Games, multiple cities began to move forward in their bids for the next Olympics. In the Asian region, only Japan, China, and South Korea have previously hosted Summer Games, but 2036 could mark a turning point that significantly changes this pattern.

The 2036 Olympic Bidding Race: Intense Competition Under New Rules

The traditional Olympic bidding process has been a long and arduous journey for cities. However, in recent years, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has focused on streamlining procedures. Under the new approach, the IOC has built a relationship with candidate cities called “permanent ongoing dialogue,” shifting from a document review akin to college entrance exams to a process involving multiple interviews. This change reduces the sense of defeat for cities that lose out and opens doors for future cooperation.

Moreover, a notable development is the recognition of a new format where multiple cities or regions jointly host the Olympics, rather than a single city. The decision to hold the 2030 Winter Games across the entire French Alps region exemplifies this new model.

Five Confirmed Candidate Cities: Leading Contenders for the 2036 Olympics

Currently, five cities have officially declared their bids. Let’s take a closer look at their ambitions and plans.

Doha, Qatar: Middle Eastern Sports Powerhouse Aspires to Host the Olympics

Qatar’s capital, Doha, is rapidly emerging as a leading sports city in the Middle East. Although it has not yet succeeded in multiple bid campaigns, over the past decade, it has actively hosted international competitions at the World Championship level. It has hosted all major Olympic sports world championships in athletics, gymnastics, and swimming, demonstrating strong organizational capacity.

In terms of infrastructure, Doha is particularly well-equipped. As a legacy of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the city has nine football stadiums. Hotel capacity is ample, and there is little need for new large-scale facilities. The Qatar Olympic Committee emphasizes a “long-term commitment to excellence and sustainability in sports” and promises an environmentally conscious Games if awarded the 2036 Olympics.

Ahmedabad, India: Dream Stage for the World’s Most Populous Nation

India, with the world’s second-largest population, has long harbored the dream of hosting the Olympics. While New Delhi hosted the Commonwealth Games in 2010, logistical challenges prevented it from becoming a serious candidate for the Olympics.

Now, Ahmedabad, the capital of Gujarat and the fifth-largest city in India, has emerged as the country’s bid city. This decision carries national expectations. PT Usha, president of the Indian Olympic Association, emphasizes the “intergenerational impact this Olympics will bring to all Indians.” French President Emmanuel Macron has also expressed support for India’s bid, promising to share expertise gained from organizing the Paris Games.

Although there was consideration of a multi-city bid, the focus has ultimately narrowed to Ahmedabad. The city already boasts significant sports infrastructure and has extensive experience hosting large international events.

Istanbul, Turkey: The City’s Sixth Attempt, a Dream of the Bosporus

For Istanbul, the 2036 Olympics would be its sixth bid. This historic city has faced repeated setbacks due to geographic and transportation challenges. Moving between the Asian and European sides requires a combination of subway, car, boat, and bus, which has historically been a barrier.

However, Istanbul’s current strategy differs. The city plans to demonstrate its organizational capacity by hosting major multi-sport events such as the 2027 European Games and the European Para Championships. Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu has declared, “The enthusiasm of our citizens is at the heart of our bid,” highlighting the strong national desire to host the Olympics.

Nusantara, Indonesia: Hosting the First Olympics in a Future City

Indonesia, a sleeping giant in sports with a large population, has entered the bid scene as an emerging contender. The city proposed by Indonesia for the 2036 Olympics is Nusantara, the new capital currently under construction.

Last year, Indonesia’s Youth and Sports Minister Dito Ariotedjo stated that the IOC’s interest in hosting the 2030 Youth Olympics could serve as a stepping stone toward 2036. Hosting the Olympics in Nusantara, which is still under development, is an ambitious plan. Minister Ariotedjo expressed confidence, saying, “If we prepare sincerely, we have the capacity to host the Olympics.”

Other Indonesian cities like Jakarta and Palembang are also being considered for dispersing events, aligning with IOC’s new multi-city model.

Santiago, Chile: A South American Dream to Reclaim the Olympics

The last South American Olympics was in Rio de Janeiro in 2016. Since then, the continent has eagerly awaited another opportunity to host. Santiago, Chile, gained international attention as the host of the 2023 Pan American Games, and now aims to leverage that success to bid for the 2036 Olympics.

Set against the backdrop of the Andes Mountains, the vision of Olympic competitions unfolding in this unique environment would be a new experience for the world. President Gabriel Boric declared at the opening ceremony of the Pan American Games, “Chile has the right to dream bigger.” This statement reflects South America’s strong desire to once again host the Olympic Games.

Additional Candidates Under Consideration: Could the 2036 Olympics Expand Further?

While five cities have officially declared their bids, other potential bidders may still emerge. South Korea’s Jeollabuk-do province recently defeated Seoul in a domestic selection process to become the official candidate, surprising many. Egypt is also considering bidding.

Furthermore, Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh has signed to host its first Olympic eSports event in 2027, indicating a strategic move toward future Olympic hosting possibilities.

The Final Decision for the 2036 Olympics: Voting Timeline and the Role of the New IOC President

The ultimate decision on the host city will be made by the IOC members—more than 100 prominent individuals from around the world—who will cast the final votes.

Kristin Covich, the newly appointed IOC President, has just taken office and has not yet shown a sense of urgency for major decisions. Voting by IOC members could occur as early as next year, but it is more likely that the next host city will be announced in 2027 or 2028.

The fierce competition among the five confirmed candidates and several potential cities will continue to unfold. Which city will earn this honor remains a focus of global attention.