RECORD INTEREST TO HOST OLYMPICS

Bach reveals double-digit’ candidates for 2036; Summer Games may move to autumn

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Despite threats from climate change, artificial intelligence-enhanced doping or competition from e-sports, International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach believes the future has never looked so bright for his movement.

Bach, 70, has run the Switzerland-based guardian of the Olympic Games since 2013, when interest in hosting the event was near rock-bottom after repeated scandals over costs and corruption.

Its diminished appeal was clear at the time of bidding for the 2024 and 2028 Summer Olympics when there were only two candidates, Paris and Los Angeles, who divided the honours between themselves.

Since then, the 2032 Games have been awarded to Brisbane and Bach told AFP in an interview at IOC's headquarters on April 26 that there was a "double-digit" number of countries in the running for 2036.

"We have never been in such a favourable position. We have never seen such a high interest in hosting the Olympic Games," the former German fencer said in his office overlooking Lake Geneva.

The 2036 edition could be an opportunity for Saudi Arabia, sole candidate for football's 2032 World Cup; Qatar, a losing candidate for 2032; Indonesia, or India.