SOUTH AFRICA – South Africa has officially expressed interest in hosting the 2036 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games, potentially making it the first African nation to host the global event.
A delegation led by Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie and South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) President Barry Hendricks met with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in Lausanne, Switzerland, on November 22. The discussions marked South Africa’s entry as an interested party for the 2036 Games.
Hendricks emphasized the potential benefits of hosting the Olympics. “This represents a bold step for our nation’s sporting growth,” he stated.
“The Games would position South Africa as a world-class destination and create a legacy of unity, infrastructure development, and sports advancement.”
McKenzie highlighted the changes in the bidding process during his prior meeting with IOC President Thomas Bach in South Africa.
“The bidding process has evolved significantly. It is now more flexible, cost-effective, and aligned with long-term development goals,” McKenzie said.
The feasibility of hosting the Games will undergo rigorous examination under IOC guidance. This includes identifying suitable host cities or regions and evaluating infrastructure needs.
McKenzie plans to report findings to the Cabinet in the coming months, after which a formal bid could be prepared.
South Africa has a proven track record in hosting major events, including the 2010 FIFA World Cup. SASCOC CEO Nozipho Jafta expressed confidence in the country’s ability to deliver.
“We’ve demonstrated our capacity and expertise to host events of this scale. Bringing the Olympics to South Africa would be life-changing for many,” she said.
The IOC’s “new norm” reforms have significantly reduced bidding costs by up to 80%, making hosting more accessible. These changes aim to ensure affordability and long-term sustainability for host nations.
Padel rising alongside olympic aspirations
While South Africa’s potential Olympic bid grabs headlines, the nation’s sporting narrative is also being reshaped by the meteoric rise of padel.
This racket sport, a hybrid of tennis and squash, has captured the imagination of South Africans, with participation growing exponentially since the first court was built in late 2020.
The Sunbet Padel Invitational, scheduled for February 22-23, 2025, at Time Square’s Africa Padel Brooklyn in Pretoria, is the first major event of its kind in the country.
Spearheaded by media personality Kriya Gangiah and backed by Sunbet, this two-day tournament will bring together sports enthusiasts, corporate stakeholders, and celebrities in an engaging showcase of competitive padel.
Padel’s popularity has surged nationwide, with over 400 courts built and more than 100,000 players actively participating, according to Playtomic, a leading booking platform.
“The growth of padel has been phenomenal,” Gangiah remarked. “It’s exciting to see a vibrant community forming around this sport. The Sunbet Padel Invitational aims to bring this excitement to even more fans and regions, creating opportunities for players of all levels to connect with their favorite sports icons.”
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