Courtesy: PTINew Delhi,Nov 2, 2026 22:56 ISTIndia have moved a step closer to potentially hosting the 2036 Olympic Games after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) confirmed that the country is among seven National Olympic Committees (NOCs) interested in staging the global sporting extravaganza.Germany, Hungary, India, Qatar, the Republic of Korea, South Africa and Turkey are the seven interested parties that will be considered by the IOC as potential hosts for the 2036 edition. The list was confirmed after the deadline for other NOCs to express their interest in entering discussions with the Olympic body came to an end, with no additional countries coming forward.India's inclusion marks an important step in the country's ambition to bring the Olympics to its shores for the first time.
While the country has previously hosted several major international sporting events, including the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, staging the world's biggest sporting event would represent a significant milestone for Indian sport.Also Read: Dhinidhi Desinghu hated swimming. Now she has made Youth Olympics history for India The IOC had initially made the names of the interested parties public on October 6 as part of its commitment to transparency in the host selection process.
The decision was approved by the IOC Session in June, with the organisation subsequently setting a deadline for other countries to join the discussions.IOC OUTLINES ROADMAP FOR 2036 HOST SELECTIONThe IOC has also outlined the next stages of the selection process, with the seven interested parties expected to make virtual presentations to the Future Host Commission in November 2026. This will be followed by IOC feasibility assessments by March 2027.
The next significant milestone will come in March 2027, when the IOC Executive Board opens the 2036 Strategic Dialogue.IOC Member Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic, Chair of the Future Host Commission for the Games of the Olympiad, highlighted the significance of the interest shown by the seven countries and the changes being introduced to the selection process."This will be the first edition of the Olympic Games to be elected under the Fit for the Future changes. The strong interest in hosting the 2036 Olympics shows that countries across the world recognise the enduring social and economic value the Games can have for local communities.
We will continue to work closely with all seven Interested Parties to support them in developing their projects," she said.For India, the coming months will be crucial as it looks to develop its case and demonstrate its readiness to host an event of such magnitude. The process will require the country to present a comprehensive hosting proposal, with infrastructure, sporting facilities, transport, accommodation and long-term sustainability likely to be important considerations.With seven countries now officially in the picture, India's Olympic hosting ambitions have entered an important phase.
However, the confirmation of interested parties is only the beginning of a lengthy evaluation process, with the final decision on the 2036 host still some distance away.- Ends