2036 Olympic Host City Bid: An In-Depth Analysis of the Campaign Strategies of Five Global Cities

After the Brisbane Games in 2032, the international race for the Olympic host city is intensifying. Five cities from Asia, the Middle East, South America, and Europe have officially announced their candidacies for the 2036 Olympics. Historically, only Japan, China, and South Korea in Asia have hosted the Summer Olympics, but by 2036, this pattern is likely to change significantly.

As the International Olympic Committee (IOC) continues efforts to streamline procedures, the Olympic bidding process remains lengthy and complex. As former IOC President Thomas Bach stated, the IOC aims to evolve toward a new selection process to avoid “creating too many losers.” This shift opens the door for joint bids by multiple cities, such as the decision to host the 2030 Winter Olympics across the French Alps, moving beyond the traditional “single city” model.

Asia’s Giant: Ahmedabad, India — A Dream to Host the Olympics

India, the world’s second most populous country, has long aspired to host the Olympics. Although its 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi faced logistical issues preventing a serious bid, this time, Ahmedabad, the capital of Gujarat, is leading a serious campaign. French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed support for India’s ambitions and promised to transfer organizational expertise from Paris.

India Olympic Committee President PT. Usha emphasizes that hosting the Olympics would have a “generational impact on all Indians.” The country has demonstrated its readiness with modern sports infrastructure, including the Narendra Modi Stadium, built for the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. Ahmedabad’s potential as the 2036 host reflects India’s economic growth and national ambition.

South America’s Comeback: Santiago Aims to Return Since Rio

South America has not hosted the Olympics since Rio de Janeiro in 2016, a gap of 20 years. Santiago, which showcased its organizational capacity at the 2023 Pan American Games, is actively promoting its bid. President Gabriel Boric of Chile has issued a strong message, stating, “Chile has the right to dream bigger,” signaling a firm intention to return to the Olympic stage.

With its unique geography, set against the Andes Mountains, and proven ability to host large-scale events, Santiago’s bid enhances its competitiveness for 2036. Electing a South American city as the Olympic host aligns with IOC’s interest in maintaining global geographic balance.

Middle East’s Experienced Contender: Doha

Qatar’s capital, Doha, is known as the “Sports Capital of the Middle East” and has a history of multiple Olympic bids. It has hosted World Championships in athletics, gymnastics, and swimming, and built nine stadiums for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

The country’s infrastructure is well-developed, eliminating concerns about venue shortages. Qatar Olympic Committee emphasizes its “long-term commitment to excellence and sustainability in sports” as a strategic focus for its bid for the 2036 Olympics. Learning from past setbacks, Doha now highlights sustainability to appeal to IOC’s evolving values.

Istanbul’s Sixth Attempt: The Bridge Over Bosporus

Istanbul, Turkey’s largest city, has bid for the Olympics five times before. 2036 marks its sixth bid. The main challenge is infrastructure. The city’s location across the Bosporus Strait presents logistical hurdles, requiring transportation options from subways and cars to boats and buses.

However, Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu states, “Citizen enthusiasm is at the heart of our bid,” and plans to demonstrate capability through hosting events like the 2027 European Games. Strong public support could be a decisive factor in the IOC’s decision.

Nusantara, the Future City: Indonesia’s Grand Ambition

Indonesia, with the fourth-largest population in the world, has long been considered a “sleeping giant” in sports. Its new capital, Nusantara, is under construction, and the Indonesian Olympic Committee is ambitiously supporting a bid for 2036.

In October 2025, Youth and Sports Minister Dito Ariotedjo mentioned considering an early Youth Olympics in 2030, prompted by IOC interest. With plans for multiple cities like Jakarta and Palembang to host different sports, Indonesia is actively preparing for the 2036 Olympics.

IOC’s New Selection Process: “Permanent Dialogue” as the Key

The traditional Olympic bidding process was highly rigorous, often compared to college entrance exams. Under new IOC President Kristina Koventri, the process has shifted toward “permanent ongoing dialogue,” involving multiple interviews and continuous engagement.

This change aims to deepen mutual understanding between candidate cities and organizers, enabling a more suitable selection for 2036. It also allows cities that previously lost bids to stay engaged and prepare for future opportunities through ongoing dialogue.

Decision Expected in 2027-2028: The Future Moves of Candidate Cities

The final decision on the 2036 Olympics will be made by IOC members (over 100 prominent figures) through voting. While a vote as early as 2026 is possible, current expectations favor announcements between 2027 and 2028.

IOC President Kristina Koventri, still acclimating to her role, has shown no rush for a large-scale decision. During this period, candidate cities will accelerate preparations through infrastructure development, public support, and dialogue with the IOC. New contenders like Jeollabuk-do in South Korea, Egypt, and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia are also emerging, suggesting the international competition for 2036 will become even more fierce.