Türkiye, Qatar, India and Indonesia compete for 2036 Olympics

As the competition heats up to host the 2036 Olympic Games, several Asian cities and countries made their cases discreetly in Paris, vying for the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) favor.

Istanbul, Qatar, India and Indonesia have emerged as frontrunners, each showcasing their unique strengths and ambitions.

Istanbul’s bid: A historic waterway setting

Istanbul’s Mayor Ekrem İmamoglu, highlighted the city’s unique geographical setting, emphasizing the Bosphorus Strait, which connects Europe and Asia, as a potential backdrop for the Games.

Istanbul aims to leverage its hosting of the 2027 European Games as a precursor to a successful Olympic bid.

“You need to do better than what has been done in the past,” İmamoglu stated, referring to the high standards set by Paris.

Qatar: A proven track record

Qatar’s bid is supported by its extensive experience hosting world championships in top-tier Olympic sports over the past decade. While not having a public hospitality venue in Paris, Qatar’s ruling Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, attended IOC meetings, underscoring the nation’s ongoing commitment to the Olympic movement.

India’s ambitious project backed by Modi and Ambani

India’s bid, supported by the Ambani family and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stands out for its ambition, financial backing, and relationship-building efforts.

Nita Ambani, an IOC member, emphasized that hosting the Olympics is “a dream that belongs to 1.4 billion Indians.” The family’s global reputation for hosting lavish events further bolsters India’s position.

Indonesia: A fast-emerging contender

Indonesia, a fast-emerging economy with a population of 280 million, is positioning itself as a strong contender.

Having hosted the 2018 Asian Games, Indonesia hopes to demonstrate its capability to the IOC. However, the country acknowledges the need to address potential challenges, including public perceptions and international relations.

Saudi Arabia’s long-term strategy

Saudi Arabia might also be in the race, securing an Esports Olympic Games hosting deal with the IOC for 12 years, signaling its long-term commitment to the Olympic movement.

However, with the 2036 Games being the immediate focus, Saudi Arabia will need to build on this momentum to make a compelling case.

A discreet process with high stakes

The IOC’s new, more discreet process for selecting future Olympic hosts has been criticized for its opacity. Unlike the traditional multi-candidate vote, the selection could occur far in advance, as was the case when Australia’s Brisbane was awarded the 2032 Games 11 years ahead of time. The 2036 host city is likely to be announced well before 2029.

As the race intensifies, the contenders will need to align their bids with the IOC’s evolving priorities, including sustainability and cost-efficiency.