In Paris, the stage was set for a high-stakes battle as Asian cities and countries began making their pitches to host the 2036 Olympic Games. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) revealed that a "double-digit" number of nations have expressed interest in hosting the prestigious event, many of which hail from Asia. With Los Angeles set to host in 2028 and Brisbane in 2032, the spotlight has shifted to Asia as a likely candidate for the 2036 Games.
Istanbul, a city that straddles two continents, made a bold case with its picturesque Bosphorus strait as a potential setting for the opening ceremony. Istanbul’s mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu, emphasized the city's readiness and determination to exceed expectations. "I mostly focus on what the IOC expects, what they dream of, what the world wants to see," said İmamoğlu. The city, which will host the 2027 European Games, is eager to showcase its capabilities on the global stage.
Meanwhile, Qatar, a nation with a proven track record of hosting world championships in Olympic sports, also positioned itself as a strong contender. Qatar's ruling Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, a long-standing member of the IOC, engaged in high-level discussions in Paris. Although Qatar opted for a low-profile approach, its ambition to host the 2036 Olympics is evident. The country’s financial power and established sporting infrastructure provide a solid foundation for its bid.
India, another major player in the race, has garnered significant attention with backing from the Ambani family, India’s wealthiest conglomerate. During the opening of India House in Paris, IOC member Nita Ambani declared that hosting the Olympics is "a dream that belongs to 1.4 billion Indians." India’s government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has thrown its full support behind the bid, recognizing the immense national pride and international prestige that would come with hosting the Games.
Indonesia, an emerging economy with a population of 280 million, has also entered the fray. Having successfully hosted the 2018 Asian Games, Indonesia has demonstrated its capability to manage large-scale sporting events. Anindya Bakrie, Indonesia’s team leader at the Paris Olympics, highlighted the nation’s infrastructure and readiness. "Indonesia has the infrastructure, the ambition, and the willingness to do it," Bakrie asserted. However, Indonesia faces challenges, including its stance on international relations, as seen in the recent FIFA decision to relocate the Under-20 World Cup due to political tensions.
Saudi Arabia, already securing a 12-year Esports Olympic Games hosting deal, has signaled its broader Olympic ambitions. The kingdom’s efforts align with its Vision 2030 plan, which aims to diversify the economy and enhance its global cultural footprint. Saudi Arabia’s push for the 2036 Games further underscores Asia's dominant presence in the bidding process.
As the race intensifies, the IOC’s new selection process, which allows for more discreet negotiations, has drawn both interest and criticism. The transparency of the process remains a point of contention, yet it is clear that the 2036 Olympic host will be determined well before 2029. With Asia emerging as a strong contender, the competition promises to be fierce, with each nation vying to leave a lasting legacy on the Olympic stage.
"Istanbul is ready to make history," İmamoğlu remarked confidently. "With the right choreography, the opening ceremony by the Bosphorus could be an unforgettable spectacle, witnessed by hundreds of thousands." The race is on, and the world watches as these Asian powerhouses jostle for the honor of hosting the 2036 Olympic Games.
