Thailand set to express interest in hosting 2026 Youth Olympics

Thailand is set to become the latest country to enter the fray for hosting the 2026 Youth Olympics. India, Russia and Colombia are already vying to host the event and according to reports in the Thai media, Thailand hopes to launch a joint candidacy from Bangkok and Chonburi.

Kongsak Yodmanee, Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand, said they plan to send their intention to bid to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) within the next week, according to Thai newspaper Daily News.

Yodmanee further said that the bid will be done on an urgent basis so that Thailand can "catch up with India." Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President Narinder Batra had said earlier that India will increase its push for hosting the 2026 Games after the ongoing freeze in the sporting calendar due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Colombian Olympic Committee said in February that it had approved Medellín as a candidate for the 2026 Games, while Russia has reportedly earmarked Kazan.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is yet to announce when they will reveal who gets the hosting rights for the 2026 Youth Games. Hosting rights are normally provided about five years before the event which means that a decision could come as early as as 2021.