India's ambition to host the 2036 Olympic Games faces a stiffer challenge as South Africa has officially joined the race. The South African government announced on Thursday, November 13, 2025, their intention to bid for either the 2036 or 2040 Olympic and Paralympic Games, marking a significant step towards bringing the world's premier sporting event to the African continent for the first time.
This announcement follows months of dialogue between South Africa and the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, Minister in the Presidency, stated that these discussions represent a "preliminary and exploratory engagement" vital for advancing South Africa's bid. While the specific host city remains undecided, the government has expressed confidence in the country's existing infrastructure to handle the demands of the Games.
South Africa's pursuit of the Olympics aligns with its broader strategy to become a major sporting destination. The country successfully hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup, becoming the first African nation to do so. Further solidifying its commitment to sports, South Africa is bidding to host a Formula One Grand Prix at the Kyalami track near Johannesburg from 2027 and is the primary organizer for the 2027 Men's Cricket World Cup.
Former IOC President Thomas Bach had previously lauded South Africa's potential, citing its "stability, the infrastructure, and vision to stage an Olympics". Africa is slated to host its first Youth Olympics in Dakar, Senegal, in 2026, setting the stage for potential future Olympic bids from the continent.
India has formally expressed its interest in hosting the 2036 Olympics, with Ahmedabad being considered as a potential host city. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has publicly supported the bid. However, India's efforts have been complicated by internal issues within the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). The IOC has voiced concerns that these internal conflicts could impede India's progress in the bidding process.
The competition for the 2036 Olympics is fierce, with several other countries also in the running. These include Chile, Egypt, Mexico, Qatar, Turkey, and Germany, with Munich having already approved a plan to bid for the 2036, 2040, or 2044 Games. Given the IOC's rotation rules, Asia is expected to be the preferred host for the 2036 Games, following Paris 2024 (Europe), Los Angeles 2028 (Americas), and Brisbane 2032 (Oceania).
South Africa's entry into the race adds a compelling dimension, as Africa remains the only continent yet to host the Olympic Games. The IOC has welcomed South Africa's interest and has engaged in preliminary discussions. A successful bid from South Africa would not only mark a historic moment for the nation but also for the entire African continent.
As the bidding process progresses, both India and South Africa will need to present strong, well-supported proposals to the IOC. The coming months will be crucial as they navigate the complexities of the bidding process and work to convince the IOC that they are the ideal host for the 2036 Olympic Games.
