Maseru — The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has confirmed that South Africa is among seven countries expressing interest in hosting the Games, alongside India, Qatar, Germany, Hungary, Türkiye and South Korea.

The IOC invited the countries to present their proposals in November, with the final decision expected in 2029.

The race to host the 2036 Summer Olympic Games is gaining momentum, with seven countries expressing interest in hosting one of the world's biggest sporting events.

The announcement has attracted international attention as countries prepare to present their plans to host thousands of athletes and millions of spectators from around the world.

India hopes to host the Olympic Games for the first time, with Ahmedabad in the state of Gujarat at the centre of its plans, Germany is considering Munich as its candidate city. Munich previously hosted the Summer Olympics in 1972. Qatar hopes to build on its experience hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup and other major sporting events. Hungary is seeking an opportunity to host the Olympics for the first time, with Budapest associated with its previous ambitions.

South Korea has previous Olympic hosting experience, having staged the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul. South Africa hopes to bring the Summer Olympics to Africa for the first time. Cities being considered include Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg. Türkiye is pursuing its long-standing ambition to host the Games, with Istanbul previously making unsuccessful attempts to secure the event.

The IOC says it will assess the proposals using several factors, including financial plans, sporting facilities, political and public support, the ability to deliver the Games and the long-term benefits for host communities.

The interested countries are expected to present their projects to the IOC's Future Host Commission in November 2026. The IOC Executive Board plans to draw up a shortlist in March 2027, while the final host selection is expected in 2029.

Other countries have until October 31, 2026 to express interest in hosting the Games.

South Africa's involvement has attracted particular attention as  the country could become the first African nation to host the Summer Olympic Games.

The country has experience organising major international sporting competitions, including the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 1995 Rugby World Cup. However, hosting the Olympics would require extensive planning, financial commitments and coordination between government, sporting organisations and local communities.

Hosting the Olympics can provide opportunities to improve transport networks, sporting facilities and tourism while creating jobs and attracting international investment.

The IOC has emphasised that athletes' experiences must remain central to the selection process, alongside the ability of host cities to deliver the Games successfully.

With seven countries currently expressing interest, the competition to host the 2036 Summer Olympics is an important international sporting development. Each country will need to demonstrate that it can meet the IOC's requirements and provide lasting benefits for athletes and local communities.

The final decision, expected in 2029, will determine which country has the opportunity to welcome the world for the 2036 Olympic Games.