Mieszko Rajkiewicz – Polish Institute of athletics Diplomacy
Since 2023 Polish authorities have publically declared their willingness to organize Olympic Games in Poland. Both the erstwhile governing organization and the current organization – in the context of possible games in Poland have a akin position, which disagree mainly in the time of the organization. It was said to be 2036, now attention is paid to 2040 or 2044. Regardless of the date, we must pay attention to who we are possibly competing for the organization of the games. Poland is not the only country that expresses specified interest.
Part 1. Africa, South America and East Asia
Egypt – fresh Administrative Capital
From Egypt, signals about the possible organisation of the Olympic Games have been flowing since 2022. It was then that the president of the global Olympic Committee (ICC) Thomas Bach, along with the delegation, went to Egypt to hear from the Minister of Youth and athletics the declaration of political support for the Egyptian Games. The president of Egypt As-Sisi besides expresses his preference, which is an crucial signal[1]. Egyptian communicative focuses mainly on possible games in 2036. The fresh capital of the country, which at this minute has the name fresh Administrative Capital, is to be built as of 2015. Cairo is overcrowded, so the Egyptian authorities have been investing in a fresh major city centre in the country for respective years. And here comes another asset of Egypt.
In the fresh Administrative Capital, the Olympic City is formed, a immense complex with the required sports infrastructure, where there will be over 20 fresh facilities[2]. Importantly, Egypt began to build this area before it began to talk seriously about a possible candidacy for the organisation of the games. In line with the improvement of the ICC in the context of the organisation of the Olympic Games, it is crucial that each organizer should usage the existing sports infrastructure. It could be said that the construction of the full complex from scratch in Egypt is contrary to this principle, but the flexible approach of the ICC besides means considering local circumstances. Egypt is building its fresh capital regardless of the possible organisation of the games, so the fresh infrastructure is natural. However, the full situation continues to fit into the ICCOL principles, as in seeking the organisation of the games in the future, Egypt will show the usage of existing facilities – the fresh Olympic City.
In the context of Egypt, the state of the country's economy is at odds with this candidacy. Inflation, budget deficits and large external debt (more than $150 billion) of the country are a challenge for the Egyptian government[3], to which the ICC is certain to draw attention.
The economical state of the country is besides subject to evaluation, and if the organisation of the Olympic Games is besides costly for the country, even though it has the required infrastructure, it is impossible to get the right to the organization. If Egypt had spent, for example, $11 billion[4] on the organisation of the games, this would now account for almost 18% of the country's yearly expenditure.
Nevertheless, the possible of organizing the Olympic Games in Egypt is likely. This is affected by the affirmative perception of specified an thought by the ICC, as this would be the first always Olympic Games in Africa. An additional asset is the political support of the highest level for this thought and the infrastructure in the form of the Olympic City in the recently built capital of Egypt. The head of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa Mustapha Berraf (who is besides a associate of the ICC) openly talks about Egypt's readiness to fight for the organisation of the Olympic Games in 2036 or 2040[5].
South Africa — Cape Town
The South African authorities have not officially expressed their willingness to organise the Olympic Games, but there is an interior communicative to organize the Games. This would not be the first time South Africa has tried to organize the games – Cape Town ran for this task on the occasion of the 2004 Games, but lost to Athens. Inside South Africa, it presently promotes Cape Town's candidacy to host the Olympic Games in 2040. For this purpose, a think tank was created Cape Town 2040who supports this idea. The survey of this organization from that year indicated that Cape Town already now has 84% of the facilities (permanent or temporary) required to organize the games. The deficiency of sports halls and the fact that the games could take place in the majority in Cape Town's metropolitan area is noted. The already very diverse infrastructure is an asset of this possible candidacy, but a tiny part of the facilities, due to the fact that 30%, according to this study, would gotta undergo renovation[6]. It is besides worth noting the fresh interest in the Olympic Games in South Africa. According to the IPSOS survey, 64% of those surveyed in South Africa are curious in the games, although it should be stressed that the methodology did not describe this group as typical of the full society, but only for those educated from cities[7]. However, this consequence represents a delicate increase in relation to the same survey a fewer years ago erstwhile interest was shown at 59%[8].
However, the thought of organizing the South African Games has 3 main problems. Firstly, no specified declaration has been made by the authorities so far. Political support in the process of talks with the ICC is very crucial due to the fact that the ICC requires specified political will in writing. Secondly, the problem of South African candidacy seems to be low public support for this idea. Why “appears”? due to the fact that the latest survey on this subject organized by the portal Tourism Update does not mean a broader social context and raises methodological doubts. However, it is worth noting that the thought of the Cape Town Games in 2040 supports 51% of the respondents[9].
Thirdly, Cape Town is inactive at the forefront of the most dangerous cities in Africa. By City Country Crime Index Global Cape Town is ranked 6th among African cities, while Cape Town is ranked 17th globally[10]. Organisation Global Organized Crime Index ranked South Africa 7th among the most dangerous countries in the world[11].
Given that there is inactive a debate in South Africa about whether or not it is worth running, the deficiency of clear political support and broad criticism of the idea, South Africa should not be seen as an active player in the process of gaining the right to organise the Olympic Games in 2040.
Chile — Santiago
In South America, the Olympic Games were held erstwhile before: in Rio de Janeiro in 2016. Chile is to be the second country on the continent to succeed. This was expressed by the president of Chile in June this year. During the yearly message, president Gabriel Boric announced authoritative efforts to organize the Olympic Games in Santiago in 2036. This is confirmed even in the 61-point presidential proposal programme[12]. It's the last place, but it's inactive an authoritative program.
Santiago has experience in organizing a multidisciplinary sporting event. In 2023 a Pan-American Games took place in the capital of Chile, which impressed president Thomas Bach, who encouraged the Chileans to make efforts for the Olympic Games. In fact, Chilean officials are increasingly investigating the anticipation of moving for the organization of games. In particular, the time of the Olympic Games in Paris was used, where the highest level delegation from the Chilean Ministry of athletics looked closely at French activities and met key representatives of the IOC – e.g. Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović, who is the head of the ICM interior committee for the Olympic Games in 2036[13]. In practice, this means that the process of selecting all the essential papers to registry accession to the IOC has begun in Chile[14]. An additional asset of a possible Chilean offer is the fact that this country fits into a fresh paradigm of action in the Olympic Movement – that is, a larger beginning to the Global South. If we inactive consider that a possible game in Chile would be back to the South American continent, we are dealing with a beautiful serious concept.
Before the Pan-American Games in 2023, IPSOS surveyed the reception of the event by the Chileans. The results are at least satisfactory to the organizers, as 81% of those surveyed considered the event to be beneficial to the country, and 76% saw an increase in national pride[15]. This indicates a possibly large public support for the thought of organising the Olympic Games in Chile. 1 key issue, however, is economics. Chile cannot boast of a gigantic national budget, and the proposed cost of organising games in Chile at around $14 billion is besides large for this country. According to researchers from the University of Desarollo, specified a cost position can end little favourable for Chile than expected. This cost is about 15% of the country's yearly budget[16]. And, of course, the preparation of the games is spread over many years, and it is clear that they would pose a serious economical challenge to the country. president Boric emphasises that the games should be organised in public-private partnership. However, the example of the Pan-American Games shows that the cost of the event almost entirely (98%) was covered by public funds. And that was $600 million[17]. For economical reasons Chile is not a favourite in the Olympic Games race in the years 2036 and 2040.
Indonesia — Nusantara
The country officially confirmed its candidacy for organizing the Olympic Games in 2036. And this is not the first time Indonesia has tried for this chance – Jakarta has besides fought for the anticipation of organizing the games in 2032, but rather an unexpected fast selection of Brisbane in Australia amazed Indonesia and public opinion worldwide. erstwhile Indonesian president Joko Widodo after the defeat of the 2032 Olympics, confirmed his further desire, so the year 2036 for this country is simply a real prospect. Importantly, the fresh Prabowo Subianto president confirmed these aspirations. During the 2024 Olympic Games, he met with the president of France, and a delegation from Indonesia was besides present to observe the organisation of the Paris Games. On the occasion of the next 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, the Indonesians will be equally attentive to the full process. As the Minister for Youth and athletics of Indonesia said, president Thomas Bach of the ICC expressed his support for the organisation of the games in 2036 in this country[18].
Thomas Bach had already 2 years earlier, due to the fact that during the G20 summit in Bali, he confirmed the Olympic aspirations of Indonesia and “welcomed” this country among those seeking to organize the games in the future[19]. In the case of an effort of 2036, the fact that they were to be organized in Nusantara – the recently built capital of Indonesia is very strong. And while after interior improvement of the ICC each consecutive games are to make maximum usage of the existing sports infrastructure, the ICC besides takes into account the local context – and in this case it resembles the situation as with the Egyptian proposal. An additional asset is the fact that Indonesia is another typical of the Global South, and if this country gained the right to organize the games, it would be the first state from ASEAN. South-East Asia has not hosted the Olympic Games so far, so the fact of being a fresh marketplace for the ICC is equally tempting.
However, Indonesia has 2 problems that can effectively sabotage talks with the ICC. The first is about the participation of Israeli athletes in events planned in Indonesia. The main subject is the past associated with the U-20 planet Cup in football. FIFA took the right to organise this event due to ‘current circumstances’. This decision was made in March 2023[20], about 2 months before the planned start. These circumstances are the refusal to let Israel's representatives into Indonesia. A akin situation occurred during World Beach Games, which was to be held in Bali in August 2023, but did not take place due to the withdrawal of backing from the Indonesian government. An unofficial reason was the participation of Israeli athletes, which would be a immense problem due to the fact that the politician of Bali wanted to boycott the participation of representatives of this country[21]. In the event of a possible organisation of the Olympic Games there is absolutely no question of boycotting Israel's representation, so the ICC must take political issues into account. Indonesia's second problem may be related to Nusantara itself. While it can be treated as an asset in any way (as mentioned earlier), there is simply a second side to the medal. Construction of this city makes it essential to displace respective tens of thousands of indigenous people in Borneo. The ICM must so take into account social and environmental issues related to the fresh capital, which will surely be pointed out by the unfavorable ICM media and public opinion.
South Korea — Seoul
Seoul is another city that probes the organization of the Olympic Games. But it wouldn't be the first time. South Korea has large experience in organizing the most crucial major sporting events. summertime and Winter Olympics, planet Cup football and dozens of another events. This country is undoubtedly 1 of the most experienced organizationally experienced countries of the last 30-40 years – at global and continental level.
Seoul's metropolitan government began efforts to organise the Olympic Games – dated 2036. The “Olympic Promotion Team” was set up at the Tourism and athletics Bureau, and a preparatory analysis was ordered to estimation the costs of organising the games for which it is responsible. Korea Sports Policy investigation Institute. And if we look at the possible public support for the thought of organising consecutive Seoul games, 71% of respondents support this thought in the survey conducted by Embrain and Korea Research[22].
The actions of the Koreans can inactive be described as an first stage. No sources are talking about the government's authoritative decision, but any discussions have already taken place. South Korean president Yoon Seok-yeol in 2022 in Seoul had the chance to meet MKOl head Thomas Bach at the General Assembly of the Association of National Olympic Committees. And although the gathering can be described as a courtesy diplomacy, it clearly shows a desire for dialogue. The individual who deepens this dialog is the mayor of Seoul Oh Se-hoon. He besides met Thomas Bach the same year, but in Lausanne. The intent of this gathering was to formally inform the ICC about the interest in organizing the Olympic Games in 2036[23].
In the context of South Korea, it is crucial to mention the large appeal of this possible candidacy – Jamsil Sports MICE Complex. It is simply a complex of modern sports and amusement infrastructure to be established in Seoul by 2031[24].
This task and the already existing facilities place Seoul at the forefront of cities already ready for the future games. There are 3 crucial problems at the moment. Firstly, South Korea is not included in the group of countries which ICOL prioritises. The MKOl strategy for the coming years is to channel the Olympic Movement more to the Global South or another fresh markets. The current most likely script of the 2036 Olympic Games is simply a selection of a country that had never previously organised this event. Secondly, in South Korea, a conflict between regions intensified. The state of Jeolla North besides hopes for an organization along with Seoul. If they do not scope an agreement, there will be a problem with sending the letter of intent to the ICC. Finally, thirdly, there is simply a conflict between the South Korean Olympic Committee and the Ministry of Culture, athletics and Tourism of South Korea. The problem is the possible 3rd word of office of the current head of the South Korean Olympic Committee, which is opposed by the Minister[25]. This dispute may seriously affect the perception of the autonomy of the South Korean Olympic Committee. Collecting all these elements together, we have an image that indicates the extension of the full process within this country. For this reason, South Korea – although a rich country and already almost ready – is not a favourite in the race.
The next part will discuss the mediate East and India, the publication on the website of the...
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[4] An amount akin to France's expenditure on organising the Olympic Games in 2024.
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[13] Chile afirma que postulación para JJ.OO 2036 debe “seguir los mismos estándares” de París, Swissinfo, https://www.swissinfo.ch/spa/chile-afirma-que-postulación-para-jj.oo-2036-debe-seguir-los-mismos-estándares-de-parís/85379107, accessed: 9.11.2024.
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[16] https://www.emol.com/noticias/Economia/2023/10/24/1110848/chile-candidatura-juegos-olimpicos.html
[17] Ibid
[18] ŻJuegos Olímpicos en Chile?: Aterrizando un anhelo que podría multiplicar por más de 10 el costo de los PanamericanosEmol, https://en.tempo.co/read/1923655/sports-minister-optimistic-indonesia-will-host-2036-olympics-muls-four-cities-as-options, accessed: 9.11.2024.
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[20] FIFA removes Indonesia as host of FIFA U-20 planet Cup 2023, Inside FIFA, https://inside.fifa.com/about-fifa/organisation/media-releases/fifa-removes-indonesia-as-host-of-fifa-u-20-world-cup-2023-tm, accessed: 9.11.2024.
[21] Indonesia won’t host beach games, months after losing football event over Israel ban, The Times of Israel, https://www.timesofisrael.com/indonesia-wont-host-beach-games-months-after-losing-soccer-event-over-israel-ban/, accessed: 9.11.2024
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[23] The president Seoul mayor assured in 2036 Olympics bid, The Korea Herald, https://m.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20240812050504, accessed: 9.11.2024.
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[25] R. Livingstone, South Korean regions position for 2036 Olympic bid while NOC faces autonomy crisis, GamesBids, https://gamesbids.com/eng/summer-olympic-bids/south-korean-regions-position-for-2036-olympic-bid-while-night-faces-autonomy-crisis/, accessed: 9.11.2024.
