India and Qatar are among seven countries in the running to host the 2036 Summer Olympic Games, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has confirmed.
Germany, Hungary, Türkiye, South Africa and South Korea complete the current list of interested parties engaged in preliminary discussions with the IOC.
The IOC is expected to draw up a shortlist in March 2027, with selected candidates progressing to the next phase of the process. Preferred hosts are expected to be identified in 2028, before IOC members make the final decision on the 2036 host in mid-2029.
India is seeking to host the Olympic Games for the first time, with its plans centred around Ahmedabad. The city is also set to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games.
Qatar, meanwhile, is seeking to become the first Muslim-majority country to host the Olympics. The country previously staged the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2006 Asian Games and is scheduled to host the Asian Games again in 2030.
South Africa is also seeking a historic first, with no African country having previously hosted the Summer Olympics.
Other countries have until October 31 to express interest in joining the 2036 process.
Los Angeles will host the 2028 Olympic Games, while Brisbane will stage the 2032 edition. (Newswire)