Istanbul edges closer to hosting 2027 European Games, boosting Olympic ambitions

Istanbul, Turkey, is set to host the 2027 European Games after an initial agreement was signed between the European Olympic Committees’ chief and Turkish officials. The decision, made in March, still needs approval from national members in June, but the signing of a memorandum of understanding in Rome brings Istanbul one step closer to hosting the prestigious sporting event.

This move could also boost Istanbul’s chances of hosting the 2036 Olympics, as city officials have expressed their desire to target the Summer Games in that year. Istanbul has bid for the Olympics multiple times in the past, coming in second to Tokyo in the bid contest for the 2020 Olympics.

EOC President Spyros Capralos highlighted the significance of Istanbul hosting the European Games, stating that it could pave the way for the city to eventually host the Olympics. Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu echoed this sentiment, calling it a crucial step towards Istanbul’s goal of becoming an Olympic city.

In addition to Istanbul, India is also planning to bid for the 2036 Olympics, with Brisbane already awarded the 2032 games. The International Olympic Committee has changed its process for awarding Olympic games, now inviting preferred candidates for exclusive talks rather than an open bidding process.

The European Games, first held in 2015, serve as a continental championship and Olympic qualifier for various sports. The 2023 edition in Poland featured nearly 7,000 athletes competing in 29 sports. Istanbul, which has hosted major sporting events in the past, is not required to build new venues for the European Games, as existing facilities will be utilized and improved for the event.