South Africa joins seven-country field for 2036 Olympics hosting race

South Africa is among seven countries pursuing the 2036 Summer Olympics after the International Olympic Committee confirmed the current field on Tuesday. Germany, Hungary, India, Qatar, South Korea and Türkiye are also involved in discussions. According to AFP, other countries still have until October 31 to declare an interest before the field closes for this edition.

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The announcement sets out the next steps rather than awarding hosting rights or guaranteeing any country a place in the final selection. The Olympic Council of Asia reported that the interested parties have been invited to present their proposals to the IOC's Future Host Commission in November. They are currently participating in the IOC's continuous dialogue phase.

A shortlist is due to be drawn up by the IOC Executive Board in March 2027, with selected projects moving into a more focused strategic dialogue. The Olympic Council of Asia said preferred hosts would then be invited into targeted dialogue in December 2028. IOC members are expected to elect the 2036 host in mid-2029, leaving further assessment stages before a decision.

The proposals will be judged on more than competition venues. The Indian Express reported that assessment criteria include the athletes' experience, financing, political and public backing, and the capacity to deliver the event. Plans for lasting benefits to host communities will also be examined. IOC president Kirsty Coventry said the experience provided to athletes must be the starting point for future hosts.

South Africa has previously staged the 2010 football World Cup and the 1995 Rugby World Cup but has not hosted an Olympics, AFP reported. Other interested countries also bring experience of major international events. Qatar hosted the 2022 football World Cup, while Ahmedabad, the centre of India's Olympic ambition, is scheduled to stage the 2030 Commonwealth Games.

India submitted its expression of interest in 2024, according to the Indian Express. Its negotiations are to be led by the Indian Olympic Association alongside the Gujarat government, with support from the national sports ministry. The 2036 contest concerns the Summer Games after Los Angeles in 2028 and Brisbane in 2032; both of those editions already have their hosts.