Contested race against global giants like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey and more

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has made its first official move towards hosting the 2036 Summer Olympics by submitting a “Letter of Intent” to the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) Future Host Commission. This step, completed on October 1, shifts India’s efforts from informal talks to formal proceedings. However, IOC President Thomas Bach has indicated that India will likely face substantial competition, with multiple countries already expressing interest in hosting the prestigious event.

Rising competition for 2036 Olympics Bid

As several countries prepare their bids, India’s primary competitors for the 2036 Games include Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Indonesia, Chile, and Turkey. The concept of rotating the Games across continents may favour an Asian host, as recent editions have been held in Europe (Paris 2024), the Americas (Los Angeles 2028), and Oceania (Brisbane 2032). However, this “unwritten rule” leaves room for any contender to emerge as a strong host.

Qatar’s Aspirations

Qatar has made significant investments in sports infrastructure and facilities and has hosted global events like the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Although previous Olympic bids for the 2016 and 2020 Games were unsuccessful, the Gulf nation remains confident. Officials in Qatar have stated the country’s preparedness to host large-scale sporting events, though it has yet to formally declare a 2036 bid.

Saudi Arabia’s Ambitions

Saudi Arabia, too, is ramping up its involvement in international sports, with a reported plan to bid for the 2036 Olympics. The nation has poured considerable resources into building sporting infrastructure, positioning itself as a potential hub for mega sporting events from Formula 1, Golf to Football.

Turkey’s Experience and Plans

Turkey brings a wealth of experience in hosting international sporting events, although Istanbul’s four previous Olympic bids were unsuccessful. The city will host the 2027 European Games and will co-host the 2032 European Football Championship alongside Italy. Turkey’s strong bid could capitalise on this experience.

Indonesia’s Emerging Status

Indonesia is also taking steps to establish itself as a future Olympic host. The country has signalled its readiness by attending the Paris 2024 Games as an observer. IOC President Bach welcomed Indonesia’s interest during the G20 summit in Bali in 2022, further boosting its standing in the race.

The path ahead for India’s 2036 Olympics Bid

With the submission of the “Letter of Intent,” India now progresses to the “Continuous Dialogue” phase of the IOC’s host election process. In this stage, the IOC will conduct a feasibility study on India’s proposed infrastructure, including consultations on human rights, social responsibility, and environmental sustainability. Upon reaching a satisfactory progress level, India could advance to “Targeted Dialogue,” making it a “Preferred Host” and moving one step closer to formal consideration.

In this phase, the IOC Executive Board reviews detailed reports and recommendations from the Future Host Commission. If India reaches this point, it will have the opportunity to present its Olympic vision to IOC members, who will ultimately cast votes in a secret ballot to determine the winning bid.

Financial Implications of Hosting Olympics

Hosting the Olympics is often more about national pride than financial gain, though it can offer economic benefits. The Games tend to boost tourism, create employment, and promote long-term infrastructure development. However, financial mismanagement can lead to significant setbacks, as illustrated by the Montreal 1976 and Athens 2004 Olympics, where budget overruns and economic instability followed.

Conversely, the 2012 London Olympics stand as an example of effective planning. By incorporating temporary and versatile sporting venues, London managed to repurpose the Olympic Stadium, hosting events such as football matches, concerts, and even Major League Baseball games. This foresight created a legacy that continues to benefit the city financially.

What’s ahead for India?

India’s bid for the 2036 Olympics faces stiff competition, especially from established sporting powerhouses like Qatar and Saudi Arabia. The competition underscores the rising prestige associated with hosting the Games. If successful, India’s 2036 Olympics could mark a historic milestone, making it the first South Asian country to host the Summer Olympics. For now, India must focus on meeting the IOC’s stringent requirements and maintaining its momentum in the race to win the bid.