South Africa selected Durban as its primary city to bid for the 2036 or 2040 Olympic Games. The nation aims to become the first African host.
South Africa plans to host the Summer Olympics and Paralympics. The country wants to host the games in 2036 or 2040.
Next, officials named Durban as their preferred candidate city. Lwandile Simelane announced this choice on Thursday.
Also, the bid will likely include multiple cities. Durban will act as the main host for the events. Organizers may hold some competitions in other nearby locations.
Meanwhile, South Africa also considered Johannesburg and Cape Town. Officials ultimately decided that Durban is the best choice.
Still, Durban faced challenges in the past. It lost the rights to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Organizers failed to provide necessary financial guarantees at that time.
However, supporters hope for a better outcome now. They plan to use the 56,000-seat Moses Mabhida Stadium. This venue opened for the 2010 football World Cup.
As a result, officials have not yet shared total cost estimates. They want to focus on the current bidding process first.
Currently, seven countries want to host the 2036 games. This list includes India, Qatar, and South Korea. Germany, Hungary, and Turkey are also competing.
Then, the International Olympic Committee will review all submissions. The committee expects formal declarations by October 31.
After that, candidates will give virtual presentations next month. The board will create a shortlist of cities in March.
Finally, South Africa hopes to make history. No African nation has ever hosted the modern Summer Olympics. A win would mark a major milestone for the continent.