Top five countries yet to host Summer Olympics

Published at :July 20, 2024 at 8:30 PM

Modified at :July 21, 2024 at 2:49 AM

Most recently India expressed its interest to host the 2036 Olympic Games.

The Summer Olympics, known as the Games of the Olympiad, is a prestigious international sporting event that unfolds every four years. It serves as a stage for a diverse array of sports competitions, uniting world-class athletes from different nations in their pursuit of coveted gold, silver, and bronze medals.

With its roots tracing back to ancient Greece, the Summer Olympics carries a profound historical legacy. Revived in the modern era by Pierre de Coubertin in 1896, this international sporting event has evolved into a symbol of global unity and athletic excellence. The Olympics provide an unparalleled platform for showcasing exceptional talents from across the world.

Also Read: Full list of Asian countries to have hosted Summer Olympics

Remarkably, London has had the privilege of hosting the Summer Olympics thrice: in 1908, 1948, and 2012. Similarly, Paris is set to join this exclusive club as a three-time host in 2024, while Los Angeles 2028 Olympics will mark the fifth occasion the United States has hosted the Games, spanning three different cities.

Let’s now explore the top five countries that have never had the opportunity to host the Summer Olympics.

Top nations yet to host Summer Olympics

5. Cuba

Cuba made its Olympic debut in 1900 and has participated in 20 out of 28 Summer Olympic Games. Impressively, Cuba ranks second among American countries in terms of gold medals in the Summer Olympics. Cuba’s medal tally surpasses that of any other nation in both Latin America and Canada, boasting 235 medals in total, including 84 gold, 69 silver, and 82 bronze medals.

With this remarkable medal count, Cuba currently stands fourth among successful nations that have never hosted the Summer Olympics.

4. Singapore

Singapore’s Olympic journey began with a solitary athlete in the 1948 London Games, representing the nation. Before gaining full independence in 1965, Singapore’s athletes competed as part of a joint delegation with Malaysia.

Despite having secured just five medals at the Summer Olympics, Singapore remains a strong contender for hosting the event due to its robust economy, sports infrastructure and flourishing tourism industry.

3. Hungary

Hungary claims the top spot among successful nations that have never had the privilege of hosting the Summer Olympics. With an impressive tally of 511 medals, including 181 gold, 154 silver, and 116 bronze, Hungary’s medal count surpasses that of any other non-hosting nation.

Hungary has been a consistent participant in the Summer Olympics since its inception in 1896, with a brief exclusion in 1920 due to World War I and its association with the Soviet-led boycott.

2. Switzerland

Despite its strong economy, Switzerland has never had the opportunity to host the Summer Olympics. With a total of 206 medals, including 53 gold, 79 silver, and 74 bronze, Switzerland holds the 24th position in the all-time medal table. The nation has consistently participated in every edition of the Summer Olympics since its inception in 1896.

1. India

India’s performance at the Summer Olympics has been marked by limited achievements. While the country’s first appearance was in 1900 with a single athlete, it wasn’t until 1920 that a team represented India. India has garnered a total of 57 medals, including 10 gold, 9 silver, and 16 bronze.

The sport in which India has achieved the most medals is Field Hockey, with a remarkable 12 medals, including 8 golds. India’s growing economy, infrastructure development, and burgeoning passion for sports make it a formidable contender for hosting the Summer Olympics.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced India’s intention to bid for the 2036 Olympics, a move that could further nurture a thriving sporting culture within the nation.

Note: Russia, despite hosting the Summer Olympics in 1980 (while part of the Soviet Union), has yet to host the event as an independent nation.

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