South Africa has expressed interest in staging the 2036 Summer Olympics, potentially becoming the first African nation to host the global sporting spectacle.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) confirmed that the country is among seven nations currently discussing possible bids for the Games.
Hungary, India, Qatar and Turkey are seeking to stage the Olympics for the first time, while Germany and South Korea are considering returns after previously hosting the event.
Interested nations have until October 31 to formally submit their intention to pursue the opportunity.
Presentations to the IOC’s future host commission are expected in November, followed by feasibility reviews scheduled for completion by March 2027.
South Africa’s proposed plan would spread competitions across Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg.
Durban previously secured the 2022 Commonwealth Games before withdrawing from the event in 2017.
India’s proposal centres on Ahmedabad, which is scheduled to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games and has also expressed interest in staging the 2038 Asian Games.
Budapest is Hungary’s proposed venue, while Qatar has selected Doha.
Qatar hosted the 2022 FIFA World Cup, whereas Budapest staged the World Aquatics Championships in 2022 and World Athletics Championships the following year.
Turkey has nominated Istanbul, which previously failed in attempts to secure the 2000, 2008 and 2020 Olympics.
The city is due to stage the 2027 European Games.
Germany’s renewed bid includes Munich, which previously hosted the 1972 Olympics. Berlin staged the country’s other Games in 1936.
South Korea’s proposal features Seoul, host of the 1988 Olympics, alongside North Jeolla province.
The IOC said other national Olympic bodies are also holding preliminary discussions regarding Games beyond 2036.
The United Kingdom has separately indicated that it is considering supporting possible Olympic and Paralympic bids for the 2040s.
Los Angeles will stage the 2028 Olympics, followed by Brisbane, Australia, which will host the 2032 edition.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong