IOC sets 2036 Olympics host selection timeline; India remains in race
India remains among seven interested parties vying to host the 2036 Olympic Games, as the International Olympic Committee published a handbook on Tuesday outlining the complete pathway toward selecting the host nation. Germany, Hungary, Qatar, Republic of Korea, South Africa and Türkiye are the other contenders in the race to stage the Olympics a decade from now. The IOC also noted that additional National Olympic Committees are engaged in noncommittal discussions about hosting future Games beyond 2036.
The selection process will unfold according to a structured timeline. Technical assessments of candidate cities will commence in 2027, evaluating factors including venue masterplans, athlete experience provisions, funding strategies, political and public support, Games delivery capabilities, and legacy planning for host communities. Contenders will also be assessed on strategic alignment with local development plans and Olympic Movement objectives. In December 2028, the IOC Executive Board will initiate targeted dialogue with preferred hosts. The host city will ultimately be elected by IOC Members at the IOC Session scheduled for mid-2029.
IOC President Kirsty Coventry emphasized that athletes must remain central to the selection process. "Each host brought something unique through its people, its culture and the way it chose to stage the Games," she stated, noting that delivering the best possible experience for athletes must be the starting point for every future host. The deadline for submitting interest is October 31, 2026, after which no additional parties will be considered for 2036.
