Cairo, 4 January 2022 (TDI): Ashraf Sobhi, Egypt’s Sports Minister, revealed the country’s plan to run for the 2036 Olympics. This would make Egypt the first African nation to host the Olympics.
The Olympic Games
The Olympic Games is the world’s most foremost sporting event/competition that involves the participation of athletes from different parts of the world. In the Olympics, athletes represent their countries in different types of sports.
Therefore, the Olympic Games, which holds every four years in a particular city, open the chance for countries to host the event. For that reason, all countries interested in running the event should submit a formal application to the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Consequently, the committee will proceed to verify if the country has the infrastructure and facilities capable of hosting the game. In addition to that, it is important to mention that the next Olympic Games will take place in Beijing. The People’s Republic of China will host the event from 4th-20th February 2022.
Possible Olympic Games country hosts
On the other hand, Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee, spoke of the importance of an African country to hold the Olympic Games. He pointed out this interesting possibility to young reporters representing the International Sports Press Association.
Take, for example, Cape Town in South Africa, which was the last African city to bid for the Olympics. However, it lost out to the Greek capital, Athens, for the 2004 Games. South Africa also finished third out of five bidders in the poll in 1997.
In addition, the IOC has previously considered South Africa as a possible host for the Olympics in 2024 and 2028, but no offer was submitted. Furthermore, Africa, although populated, has never hosted the Olympics. Nonetheless, Egypt is ready to break that curse while betting on the 2036 Olympics.
Egypt’s intention to host the 2036 Olympic Games
That is why Ashraf Sobhi said that Egypt’s intention is strongly supported by the association of the African National Olympic Committee. According to him, Union President Mustapha Berraf confirmed joint support for Egypt to host the 2036 Olympic Games. Egypt intends to present an official candidacy to the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Currently, the ministry and other relevant authorities are checking the technical, logistical and, financial aspects necessary to host the event. In addition, work has begun to build a multi-million-dollar sports complex. It will be called the Egypt International Olympic City, in the new administrative capital, located 45 kilometers from Cairo.
Finally, the project expects to feature a 90,000-seat stadium, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, tennis courts and, an indoor venue. Thus, Ashraf Sobhi believes that that new development will boost Egypt’s ambition. However, he admitted that officials will still assess technical, logistical and, financial aspects before submitting an official request to the IOC.