South Africa are reportedly considering a bid to host the 2036 Olympics, which could impact their hopes of staging the 2035 Rugby World Cup.
According to The Guardian, South Africa are one of seven countries invited to formally present their plans for the Games.
If successful, they would become the first African nation to host the Olympics.
The proposed bid would see events held across Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban. However, South Africa are currently considered outsiders in the race.
Qatar are viewed as the frontrunners, with India and Hungary also among the leading contenders.
Turkey, Germany and South Korea have also been invited to present proposals to the International Olympic Committee’s Future Host Commission in November.
The Guardian reports that Qatar are in a strong position due to the quality of their bid. Asia has also not hosted the Summer Olympics since Tokyo 2020.
However, Doha’s extreme summer temperatures could mean the Games are held outside the traditional July and August window.
India’s bid has reportedly lost momentum due to concerns over governance, planning and its performance at the Paris Olympics.
Hungary’s proposal, which could involve Budapest, Vienna and Bratislava, is considered strong, although political backing remains uncertain.
The IOC will assess each bid based on factors including existing venues, the athlete experience, public and political support, long-term legacy and the overall vision for the Games. A final vote is expected in 2029.
South Africa are also considering a bid for the 2035 Rugby World Cup, 40 years after hosting the iconic 1995 tournament.
Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie has been leading the push, seeking government and private-sector support to build a financial package capable of backing a bid.
However, SA Rugby have yet to commit to entering the race.
The governing body has previously raised concerns about the huge costs involved in hosting the tournament, while chief executive Rian Oberholzer has questioned the economic case for South Africa and New Zealand.
McKenzie believes securing enough sponsorship and government support could persuade SA Rugby to formally pursue the 2035 tournament.
A successful Olympic bid, however, could make that considerably more difficult.
Hosting the Olympics would require significant financial investment and resources, potentially leaving limited appetite for South Africa to also take on the Rugby World Cup just one year earlier.
There is still a long way to go before either bid becomes reality. However, should South Africa secure the 2036 Olympics, their chances of hosting the 2035 Rugby World Cup would likely take a major hit.
