2036 Olympics hosts: Ahmedabad vs South Korea, Qatar, Munich, South Africa, Türkiye, Hungary

The municipal government of Ahmedabad has launched a formal bid to become the host city for the 2036 Summer Games, positioning itself as a gateway to India’s growing sports ecosystem. Over the past five years the city has completed a new international airport terminal, expanded its road network, and built a state‑of‑the‑art sports complex that includes an athletics stadium, swimming centre and indoor arena. Officials argue that these facilities meet many of the International Olympic Committee’s requirements and that the city’s experience in hosting the Asian Games in 2022 demonstrates its capacity to manage large‑scale events.

Competing against established candidates such as Munich, which already possesses most of the required venues, and Qatar, which offers extensive financial backing, Ahmedabad’s proposal emphasizes cost‑effective construction and a legacy plan that will leave lasting benefits for local communities. The bid also underscores the city’s cultural attractions, including its historic textile markets and UNESCO‑listed heritage sites, which could provide a unique visitor experience. Supporters point to India’s large and youthful population as a built‑in audience that can drive ticket sales and sponsorship revenue, while critics raise concerns about the country’s climate during the proposed summer dates.

The International Olympic Committee will evaluate each submission based on criteria that include infrastructure readiness, financial guarantees, environmental impact and legacy use. If Ahmedabad advances to the final round, it will need to secure additional funding from both the central government and private partners, as well as demonstrate robust security arrangements. The outcome could shape India’s future role in global sports, potentially encouraging further investment in stadiums, training facilities and youth programmes across the nation.