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Gas provider, host, global sports official: Qatar's ruler Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani (here with Fifa President Gianni Infantino) has been a member of the International Olympic Committee since 2002
Photo: KAI PFAFFENBACH / REUTERS
According to a media report, World Cup host Qatar wants to apply to host the 2036 Summer Olympics.
The Reuters news agency writes, citing an unnamed person who is familiar with the Olympic application process.
The fact that the World Cup has been successful so far puts the Qataris in a "strong position," Reuters quoted the insider as saying.
"They have shown that they can do it." In addition, Qatar will host the Asian Games for the second time in 2030.
And: “The entire infrastructure is here – the stadiums, the subway, the new airport.”
Qatar had already applied to host the 2016 and 2020 Summer Olympics but never made it through to the final round of the selection process, partly because of the scorching summer temperatures in the Persian Gulf.
According to Reuters, the Qataris are expected to aim for a much later date in the year, similar to the World Cup now.
When the emirate hosted the World Athletics Championships in late September and early October 2019, the women's marathon was held at night due to the extreme heat.
Nevertheless, only 40 of the 68 participants made it to the finish, 30 had to be examined medically.
Stadiums ready, sports officials always willing
Nevertheless, Qatar could have a chance of winning the bid.
The next three Summer Games will be held in Europe (Paris 2024), America (Los Angeles 2028) and Australia (Brisbane 2032);
after that it might be Asia's turn.
India, Indonesia and South Korea have also shown interest in the 2036 Games.
As head of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Thomas Bach openly sympathizes with hosting in Germany.
However, there are many opponents of such an application in Germany, which the German Olympic Sports Confederation still wants to promote, as the DOSB general meeting has just decided.
After winning the World Cup, Qatar invested at least 229 billion US dollars in infrastructure - including several sports stadiums, which it is questionable how they can be used sensibly in everyday life in the emirate with its three million inhabitants.
Qatar's ruler Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani has been a member of the IOC since 2002.
che/Reuters
