India and Qatar Have Bid for 2036 Olympics
The International Olympic Committee confirmed seven total nations are currently vying for the 2036 summer games.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Olympics
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India and Qatar have officially entered the race to host the 2036 Olympic Games. The International Olympic Committee confirmed there are currently seven nations bidding for the event.
Why it matters
The race for the 2036 hosting rights represents the beginning of a years-long selection process that will culminate in a final decision by International Olympic Committee members.
There are seven nations currently in the running to host the 2036 Olympics. More than 100 International Olympic Committee members will eventually cast their votes to select the winner.
The players
International Olympic Committee
This is the non-governmental sports organization based in Lausanne, Switzerland, that organizes the modern Olympic Games.
India
The nation is a confirmed bidder for the 2036 Olympic Games.
Qatar
The nation is a confirmed bidder for the 2036 Olympic Games.
The details
While India and Qatar have emerged as confirmed candidates, five other nations remain in contention as the deadline for formal entry approaches. Meanwhile, South Africa, South Korea, Germany, Hungary, and Turkey have opted to focus their efforts on discussions for future 2040 or 2044 Olympic hosting opportunities.
Timeline
October 6, 2026: The International Olympic Committee confirmed seven bidders.
October 31, 2026: Final deadline for national Olympic bodies to join the 2036 contest.
2029: International Olympic Committee members will vote to select the 2036 host city.
Season Trajectory
The confirmation of early bids initiates a multi-year evaluation period that determines the competitive landscape for the 2036 Games. This process establishes the final field of candidates before the 2029 Olympic host selection vote.
The current bid status confirms the pool of active candidates ahead of the October 31 application deadline. Prospective host nations are currently navigating the preliminary International Olympic Committee requirements to remain in contention for the 2029 vote.
The takeaway
The race to host the 2036 Games is officially underway with India and Qatar leading the initial list of contenders. Other nations appear to be strategically aligning for later Olympic cycles instead of challenging the current field.
What happens next
National Olympic bodies have until October 31, 2026, to submit their formal bids, with the final host selection scheduled for 2029.
Further reading
For more information on the selection process, visit the Olympics section.
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