Laussane: India is among seven nations invited by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to present their 2036 Olympic Games projects to the Future Host Commission next month, the world governing body confirmed on Tuesday.

Alongside India, the IOC has confirmed active dialogue with Germany, Hungary, Qatar, the Republic of Korea, South Africa, and Turkiye.

"The Interested Parties currently in Continuous Dialogue with the IOC, with a stated interest in hosting the 2036 Olympic Games, are (in alphabetical order): Germany, Hungary, India, Qatar, Republic of Korea, South Africa and Turkiye," the IOC said in a statement.

"There are also a number of NOCs taking part in noncommittal talks with the IOC about hosting future Olympic Games beyond 2036. The Interested Parties have been invited to present their projects to the Future Host Commission in November," the statement added.

The IOC clarified that the deadline for new entries is firm, stating that no other Interested Parties will be considered for the 2036 edition after October 31.

India, which submitted its official Expression of Interest in 2024, has positioned Ahmedabad as its preferred host city. The country has never previously hosted the Olympic Games.

The bidding timeline had been paused under IOC President Kirsty Coventry to gather feedback from member nations and streamline the selection framework. Under the revised process, presentations in November will evaluate projects against technical parameters including venue master plans, athlete experience, funding strategies, political backing, and long-term legacy benefits.

"I was fortunate to compete at five Olympic Games, across four continents. Each had their own character. Each host brought something unique through its people, its culture and the way it chose to stage the Games," said Coventry.

"But wherever the Games take place, one thing must never change: athletes have to be at the heart of everything we do. As an athlete, you spend years working to make your Olympic dream come true.

"The experience you have when you finally reach the Olympic Games stays with you for the rest of your life. That is why, for every future host, delivering the best possible experience for the athletes must always be the starting point," she asserted.

The IOC introduced a new Strategic Dialogue stage in June to evaluate potential hosts with developed infrastructure. During this phase, candidate cities will be required to demonstrate strict cost controls, establish clear project timelines, answer the Future Host Questionnaire, and secure core financial guarantees.

"During this new transitional stage, they will be expected to provide an initial response to the Future Host Questionnaire and core financial guarantees," the IOC stated.

India's push will be spearheaded by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), supported by the Union Sports Ministry and the Gujarat state government.

Following November's presentations, the Strategic Dialogue phase will run until 2028, leading into the final Targeted Dialogue stage. The IOC Executive Board will select its Preferred Host in mid-2029 for final election by the IOC Session. (PTI)