Munich is facing at least six competitors from Europe, Asia, and Africa in its bid to host the Summer Olympics in 2036. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced on Tuesday that besides Germany, Hungary, Turkey, India, Qatar, South Korea, and South Africa also intend to submit bids for the games.
Application Phase and Timeline
These countries are currently in a phase of "ongoing dialogue" with the IOC. However, more applications may be submitted as the deadline for submissions continues until October 31. Candidates will present their plans virtually to the Future Host Commission in November. The IOC will assess, analyze, and reduce the number of applicants in March 2027 and will select a group of finalists to enter the strategic dialogue phase.
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Planning for the Future
The targeted dialogue phase with one or more applicants is scheduled for 2028, and the final decision on the host of the 2036 Olympics will be announced at the IOC session in the summer of 2029. However, the IOC has not precisely stated which cities, besides Munich, are in the running, although Ahmedabad, Doha, Budapest, and Istanbul have been mentioned as potential competitors.
Munich was able to register its bid at the end of last month by winning a vote from representatives of the German Olympic Sports Confederation. This city last hosted the games in 1972. Berlin also withdrew its bid in the days leading up to the vote.
IOC President, Kristy Coventry, said: "Wherever the games are held, one thing must never change: athletes must be at the heart of everything we do." She added: "As an athlete, you work for years to achieve your Olympic dream. The experience you have when you finally reach the Olympics stays with you for a lifetime."
The IOC will evaluate the proposals of applicants based on "technical factors." These factors include a comprehensive plan for competitive venues and athlete experience, financial strategy, political and public support, event hosting capability, and sustainability strategy. The German Olympic Sports Confederation believes that Munich is well-positioned in all these areas.
Munich's bid is not solely focused on 2036 and is also designed with 2040 and 2044 in mind. If Munich is unsuccessful in 2036, it is expected to face a large number of competitors for the next two Summer Olympics. According to the IOC statement, National Olympic Committees are engaging in indirect discussions with the IOC about hosting future Olympic Games beyond 2036.
