Qatar has officially joined the growing list of nations vying to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games, confirming discussions with the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Qatar Joins the Global Race
The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) announced its participation in the election process for the 2036 Games. This makes Qatar the latest contender in an increasingly crowded field.
Having successfully hosted major events like the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2024 Asian Cup, Qatar brings significant experience to the table. They join countries such as Indonesia, Turkey, India, and Chile, who have already confirmed their bids. Other nations, including Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Egypt, Hungary, Italy, Germany, Denmark, and Canada, have also expressed interest.
Qatar’s Ready Infrastructure and Vision
Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, president of the QOC, highlighted the country’s readiness. He stated that Qatar already possesses 95% of the necessary sports infrastructure to host the Games.
A comprehensive national plan is in place to ensure 100% readiness for all facilities. This vision extends beyond the Games, focusing on building a socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable legacy for the future.
Qatar’s capital, Doha, is also set to host the Asian Games in 2030, having previously staged the event in 2006. A successful Olympic bid would mark a historic moment, making Qatar the first country in the Middle East to host the prestigious global event, further cementing the region’s rising influence in major sporting spectacles.
India’s Bid Faces IOC Scrutiny
Meanwhile, India, another prominent contender for 2036, recently held discussions with the IOC regarding its bid, proposing Ahmedabad as the host city. While the meeting was described as productive, the IOC delivered a candid message.
Sources indicate that the IOC raised concerns regarding governance issues within the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), the prevalent doping menace across Indian sports, and the country’s relatively modest performance at past Olympics. India finished 71st at the most recent Paris Games, securing just six medals.
The clear takeaway for the Indian delegation was the need to address these internal issues before fully preparing their Olympic masterplan. The IOC emphasized that while India can continue its bid preparations, resolving these fundamental problems is paramount.
IOC Re-evaluating Host Selection Process
Adding another layer of complexity to the 2036 bidding process, the IOC’s current method for selecting future hosts is under review. Newly-elected IOC chief Kirsty Coventry confirmed that the process is currently paused.
IOC members have expressed reservations about the existing rules, seeking more direct involvement and discussion. A working group will be established to re-evaluate how and when future host cities are selected, ensuring greater engagement from members and a more robust decision-making framework.
- Qatar claims 95% of required sports infrastructure is already in place for the 2036 Olympics.
- India’s 2036 bid faces significant hurdles from the IOC, citing governance and doping issues.
- The International Olympic Committee is pausing and reviewing its host selection process, seeking more member input.
As the race for the 2036 Olympics heats up, all eyes will be on how these nations prepare and how the IOC’s revamped selection process unfolds.
