The Olympic Games may head to a brand new continent in 2036, as Qatar is set to make a strong push to host the event in its capital city of Doha.
Should Qatar be successful in its attempt, it would mark the first time that a Middle Eastern nation would be chosen to host the Olympics.
Qatar had been keen to host the 2032 Olympics, but Brisbane was deemed the preferred bidder so Qatar has set its sights on the 2036 games.
Qatar's Olympic committee (QOC) announced on Tuesday (July 22) that talks were underway with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) over staging the games in the country 11 years from now.
QOC president, Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, has faith that Qatar could handle hosting the Olympic Games. He told Qatar News Agency:
"We currently have 95% of the required sports infrastructure in place to host the Games, and we have a comprehensive national plan to ensure 100% readiness of all facilities."
Touching on what Qatar hosting the Olympics would represent, he stated: "This plan is rooted in a long-term vision aimed at building a socially, economically and environmentally sustainable legacy. We aim to deliver a global experience that reinforces the values of inclusivity, sustainability and international collaboration."
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
What is Qatar's experience of hosting major sporting events?
Qatar has experience of hosting major sporting events in recent times as the men's FIFA World Cup was held in the country three years ago. The 2023 AFC Asian Cup also took place in Qatar.
Additionally, three Formula 1 races have been held in the country and a deal was struck in 2023 to keep Qatar on the calendar for the next 10 years.
However, it is unclear when in the year the Olympics would take place if Qatar secure the rights for the 2036 games.
The 2022 World Cup had to be played in winter months, as playing in the traditional summer slot was deemed not a viable option due to the high temperatures and excessive heat in the nation.
Potentially moving the Olympics away from the traditional summer slot may prove an unpopular choice for some athletes as it could possibly affect their schedules and preparation plans.
What may help Qatar's bid is newly appointed head of the IOC, Kirsty Coventry, being open to branching out the Olympics into new parts of the world.
She told Sky News earlier this year: "Embracing new regions will be a part of what I would like to see."
For Coventry, showcasing the Olympics in new areas would be a successful move. She explained: "I think if we can embrace new regions across the entire movement, it opens up many different opportunities, including revenue growth, being able to reach new audiences."
Other cities confirmed to be bidding for the 2036 games are Ahmedabad, Istanbul, Santiago and Nusantara.
Other sports news and related links
Owen Farrell admits 'it felt a bit frantic at times' as Lions grind out win.
Tadej Pogačar's teammate Tim Wellens wins Stage 15 of 2025 Tour de France