IOC puts “pause” on bidding process for 2036 Olympics, decision on India’s hosting postponed
IOC Halts Bidding Process for 2036 Olympics
On June 26, 2025, during its executive board’s inaugural meeting in Lausanne, Switzerland, newly elected IOC President Kirsty Coventry announced that “the entire bidding process has been suspended and a working group will be formed to review the host city selection process.” This move followed concerns raised by several member nations over the lack of transparency and inclusivity in the current “Future Host Commission” selection method, which replaced traditional voting.
Under former President Thomas Bach, this procedure was used to award the 2028 Olympics to Los Angeles and the 2032 Games to Brisbane, limiting broader IOC member participation. Coventry clarified that host city selections would resume only after the working group determines when and how the process should be conducted appropriately.
India’s Bid and Its Current Status
In October 2023, India submitted a Letter of Intent (LOI) expressing interest in hosting the 2036 Olympics. Following this, the Indian Olympic Association, the Gujarat government, and the central government entered into a “continuous dialogue” phase.
Despite the IOC’s decision to pause the process, it was confirmed that “India’s high-level delegation will meet IOC officials in Lausanne from June 30 to July 2, and discussions will continue.” This indicates that India remains committed to strengthening its bid, though more time is needed for a decisive resolution.
This meeting in Lausanne, already scheduled, is seen as an opportunity to gather firsthand information and explore possibilities, as emphasized by Coventry.
Kirsty Coventry: A Historic Leader
Swimming Career and Olympic Glory
- Born on September 16, 1983, in Harare, Zimbabwe, Kirsty Coventry is the nation’s most decorated Olympian.
- She competed in five Olympic Games (2000, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016), winning a total of seven medals: two gold, four silver, and one bronze.
- Coventry specialized in backstroke and individual medley events.
Political and Administrative Background
- In 2018, she became Zimbabwe’s Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts, and Recreation.
- Within the IOC, she chaired the Athletes’ Commission, advocating strongly for athletes’ interests.
First African and First Female IOC President
- In March 2025, at the 144th IOC Session in Costa Navarino, Greece, she made history as the first woman and first African to be elected IOC President.
- She defeated powerhouse Thomas Bach to secure the position.
- Her eight-year term began in June 2025, with priorities including gender parity, transparency, and corruption-free allocations.
Leadership Vision
- Coventry aims to make the IOC more inclusive, fair, and closely engaged with member nations.
- Referring to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, she noted she would adopt “the best aspects of what came before.”
- She emphasized athlete safety and announced the formation of a task force following the women’s boxing controversy at Paris 2024.
Challenges Ahead & The Road Forward
- Timing of the 2036 Host Decision
Determining “when” to choose the host with full IOC member engagement is Coventry’s top priority. This delay will directly affect India’s bid and those of other candidate countries. A decision may now be postponed until 2026 or later. - Transparency and Inclusive Framework
Coventry plans to replace the commission-based selection process with a more democratic and open structure. - Global and Political Challenges
Issues such as sanctions on Russia, transgender athlete participation, and attracting new sponsors from emerging markets in the Middle East and Africa will pose significant hurdles. - India’s Position
India’s bid carries weight, bolstered by the Narendra Modi Stadium pitch and Nita Ambani’s IOC membership. Yet, Coventry’s emphasis on stakeholder dialogue suggests that both timing and format of selection remain open for discussion.
Conclusion
Under Kirsty Coventry’s leadership, the IOC is entering a new era focused on transparency, inclusivity, and member-driven decision-making. While the host selection for the 2036 Olympics is currently paused, India’s ambitious bid remains strong.
India’s delegation will participate in further deliberations in Lausanne, hoping to capitalize on the proposed reforms. Although the final host announcement might come in 2026 or later, this review process is expected to pave the way for greater fairness and opportunities for future Games.
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