Archive · 13 Nov 2025
South Africa Joins India in Race to Host 2036 Olympics
Imagine countries want to host a really big party called the Olympics!
India wants to host the party in 2036.
Now, South Africa also wants to host the Olympics, not just in 2036, but maybe even in 2040.
South Africa hopes this will be the first time the Olympics happen in Africa.
They have good places already to hold the games and don't need to build too much.
India has already picked a city called Ahmedabad for its bid.
Other countries like Qatar, Turkey, and Chile are also trying to host the 2036 Olympics.
Hosting the Olympics is a big honor and a lot of work!
South Africa has officially announced its intention to bid for the 2036 and 2040 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
This move increases competition for India, which is also bidding for the 2036 Games with Ahmedabad as its proposed host city.
South Africa aims to become the first African nation to host the Summer Olympics.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is engaged in exploratory discussions with South Africa regarding their bid.
Other nations confirmed to be bidding for the 2036 Games include Qatar, Turkey, and Chile.
- Who
- South Africa and India
- What
- Competing to host the 2036 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games.
- When
- South Africa officially joined the race on Thursday; bidding for 2036 and 2040.
- Where
- South Africa and India are bidding nations; Africa aims to host for the first time.
- Why
- South Africa aims to be the first African nation to host the Games and is expanding its bid to include 2040.
South Africa's Bid Strategy
India's Bid Strategy
Targeted Olympic Years
South Africa's Bid Strategy
South Africa is bidding for both the 2036 and 2040 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games, aiming to host at least one.
India's Bid Strategy
India has confirmed its bid for the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Host City Selection
South Africa's Bid Strategy
A host city for South Africa's bid has not yet been specified, though Cape Town is a possibility.
India's Bid Strategy
India has named Ahmedabad as the host city for its 2036 bid.
- Confirmed 2036 Bidders
- India, South Africa, Qatar (Doha), Turkey (Istanbul), Chile (Santiago)
- South Africa's Bid Scope
- 2036 and 2040 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games
- India's Bid City
- Ahmedabad
- Previous African Hostings
- FIFA World Cup (2010), Commonwealth Games (Durban - withdrawn 2017), Youth Olympics (Dakar - 2026)
- IOC President
- Thomas Bach (previous description of SA's hosting capability), Kirsty Coventry (current head, Zimbabwean)