IOC top post contender Sebastian Coe says India has ‘strong case’ in 2036 Olympics bid but competition tough

Sebastian Coe believes India has a strong case to host the 2036 Olympics, facing competition from other countries.

International Olympic Committee (IOC) president's post contender Sebastian Coe feels India's bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games is a "strong case" but competition will be tough with several other countries throwing their hats in the ring.

India has already submitted a 'Letter of Intent' to host the 2036 Olympics and Paralympic Games to the IOC's Future Host Commission, taking the first concrete step in an ambitious plan after months of informal dialogue with the global sport's apex body.

“Well, you won’t be surprised given my background to say that I’m obviously very happy that India is committed to global sport and particularly the Olympic movement. I’m very happy to hear that.

“And look, it will be very competitive. It won’t be the only bidder, but the case that it (India) can make is a very strong case,” Coe told PTI in an exclusive interview.

Poland, Indonesia, South Africa, Qatar, Hungary, Turkiye, Mexico and Egypt are among other countries which have expressed a desire to host the 2036 Olympics.

The 2036 Games host nation will not be known before 2026. But it is certain that the host will be chosen during the presidency of the winner of the March 20 election of the new IOC chief.

Coe, whose maternal grandfather is an Indian from Punjab, is considered the frontrunner among the seven candidates contesting for elections to succeed Thomas Bach as IOC president.