India secures a spot in the 2036 Olympics bidding race after the IOC confirmed the country among seven bidders on Tuesday. The decision places India beside Qatar, South Korea, Germany, Hungary, Turkey and South Africa in a contest that promises to be the most competitive host race in years.
The IOC’s vote marked a return to a traditional, openly contested process, after the fast‑track approach used for Brisbane 2032. Members will decide the host in 2029, giving shortlisted nations roughly two and a half years to polish their proposals.
Ahmedabad, slated to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, sits at the heart of India’s bid. The city owns the Narendra Modi Stadium, the world’s largest cricket venue, giving the country a tangible infrastructure advantage.
The IOC’s president, Kirsty Coventry, emphasized that athletes must remain central to the Games. She also noted that India’s Nita Ambani and Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani will be among the few members eligible to vote, adding a layer of intrigue to the upcoming shortlist.
The next milestone is the March executive‑board meeting, where Coventry will approve a shortlist. India’s bid will then need to evolve into a detailed, compelling project before the 2029 vote.