India is among seven countries now in discussions with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) over hosting the 2036 Summer Olympics. This brings the country’s long-running ambition to stage the Games into a more defined selection process.
The IOC confirmed on October 6 that India, Germany, Hungary, Qatar, the Republic of Korea, South Africa and Türkiye are currently involved in the race. Furthermore, the countries will have an opportunity to present their Olympic hosting projects as the IOC moves towards a shortlist in 2027. However, the development does not mean India has secured the Games.
The IOC is expected to narrow the field before selecting the preferred host through its revised selection process. The final decision is targeted for 2029.
India’s 2036 Olympics Bid Enters a Key Stage
India has been pursuing the 2036 Olympics for several years. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) submitted a letter of intent to the IOC. Subsequently, the proposal entered the Continuous Dialogue phase with the IOC’s Future Host Commission.
The Indian government said in July 2025 that issues raised during discussions included sports governance, anti-doping measures and India’s performance at previous Olympic Games.
It also said steps were being taken to address these areas.India’s proposal is centred on Ahmedabad in Gujarat.
The city is also scheduled to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. This gives the proposed Olympic project a broader multi-sport infrastructure base.
India has never hosted the Summer Olympics. A successful bid would therefore represent a major expansion of the country’s role as a host of international sporting events.
The country has also been preparing through a wider programme of international competitions.
In July, India announced plans for 29 international sporting events over two years. This is part of efforts to strengthen its credentials as a potential Olympic host.
Seven Countries Remain in the 2036 Race
India faces competition from six other countries.Germany, Hungary and Türkiye have previous Olympic bidding experience.
South Africa is seeking to become the first African country to host the Summer Olympics. Meanwhile, South Korea has previously hosted both Summer and Winter Olympic Games.
Qatar is also pursuing the opportunity to become the first Muslim-majority country to stage the Olympics.
The IOC has set October 31 as the deadline for other National Olympic Committees to express interest in the 2036 Games.
That means the current list could still change before the next stage of the process.
The IOC’s revised approach also allows countries to be considered for future editions beyond 2036.
Some of the seven countries currently discussing the 2036 Games have also been linked to potential bids for the 2040 or 2044 Olympics.
IOC to Shortlist Candidates in 2027
The next major milestone is expected in March 2027, when the IOC plans to establish a shortlist of candidates.
Countries that progress will develop their proposals further under the next stage of the process. Moreover, the IOC will examine more than existing stadiums and sporting facilities.
The assessment is expected to consider venue planning, the athlete experience, financing, political and public support, delivery capability and the long-term legacy of the Games.
The IOC has also stressed that athletes should remain central to the planning of any future Olympic Games.
IOC President Kirsty Coventry said the Games must continue to put athletes at the heart of the hosting process.
Preferred host candidates are expected to emerge in 2028. The final host selection is planned for a vote of IOC members in 2029.
What India Needs to Prove
India’s challenge now moves beyond expressing interest. Its proposal will need to demonstrate that the country can deliver the Games on the IOC’s financial, logistical and sporting requirements. In addition, the proposal must create a sustainable long-term legacy.
The scale of the Olympics also means infrastructure alone will not determine the outcome. Governance, financing, athlete facilities, transport, accommodation, public support and the use of venues after the Games will all matter.
For India, the October 6 announcement is therefore an important step rather than a final victory.
The country has entered a seven-way international contest, but several stages remain before the IOC can award the 2036 Games.
With the shortlist expected in 2027 and the final decision targeted for 2029, India’s Olympic ambitions have now entered a critical phase.
Umar Khan is a writer driven by curiosity and a passion for understanding the world. Through thoughtful analysis and evocative storytelling, he seeks to make complex ideas accessible, inspire meaningful conversations, and encourage fresh perspectives on the people, places, and issues that shape our shared future.
