The dream of hosting the 2036 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games is within reach for Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area development zone. But dreams alone do not win the games. They are realised through bold vision, strategic planning and timely action.We now stand at a pivotal moment. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced a temporary halt to the Olympic host bidding process to allow its new president, Kirsty Coventry, time to review and refine the selection framework. This pause presents a valuable window of opportunity for Hong Kong to prepare, align its stakeholders and emerge as a serious contender.This temporary reset expands the timeline for action, allowing Hong Kong to factor in the 15th National Games this month. The timeline allows Hong Kong to hold off preparing until the National Games conclude.

Hong Kong and other cities within the bay area can investigate the feasibility of hosting the event and, if the idea is found to be feasible, commence preparations for an indication of interest. Once the IOC resumes the process, competition will intensify quickly. Only those with well-developed, strategically aligned bids will move forward.

Delaying action until after the National Games is understandable. But engaging with the IOC before and during those games does not compromise their success; it complements it. Whether the National Games highlight strengths or expose gaps, both outcomes offer invaluable insights to sharpen an Olympic bid.

Renowned horse racing jockey Vincent Ho Chak-yiu carries the torch on Salisbury Road during the 15th National Games torch relay in Hong Kong, on November 2. Photo: Sun Yeung

While the IOC’s host city selection model is currently paused, we imagine three key phases of the process will remain unchanged.