German Olympic Sports Confederation chooses candidate for Summer Games — The Local Germany

The German Olympic Sports Confederation is to choose on September 26 the country’s bid to host the 2036, 2040 or 2044 Summer Olympic Games. Munich and the Cologne–Rhine–Ruhr region remain in the final, while Berlin did not make the shortlist. The Local Germany reports.

Berlin’s withdrawal from the Olympic bid sparked political disputes. Critics accused the Left party of derailing the capital’s bid, as it, like the Greens, opposed hosting the Games. At the same time, the publication notes that Berlin had previously been in a weaker position than its competitors: unlike Munich and the Rhine–Ruhr region, the city did not hold a referendum on public support for the bid.

According to The Local Germany, Berlin’s bid was ultimately halted by CDU mayor Kai Wegner, who is leaving office. The debate surrounding the Left also encompassed its housing policy and accusations of antisemitism within part of the broader movement. After winning the election, party representative Elif Eralp said that she supports protecting Jewish life and ensuring the safety of all city residents.

Football and a change of kit supplier

Germany’s new national football team coach Jürgen Klopp began his tenure with a 1–1 draw against the Netherlands in the Nations League. Felix Nmecha scored in the first half, but Cody Gakpo equalised late in the match. Klopp’s team will play its next match in Augsburg against Greece.

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These games will be among the last before the end of the German Football Association’s 77-year partnership with Adidas. From 2027, Nike will become the kit supplier for the German national team.

Berlin Marathon

The annual marathon will take place in Berlin this weekend, with more than 56,000 athletes participating, including runners, wheelchair athletes, handcyclists and inline skaters. Streets in the central part of the city are being closed because of the competition, and dozens of bus and tram routes will be affected. The underground and urban rail services are expected to operate as usual.

The marathon coincides with the International Day of the Deaf. Peppa Pig, a character from a children’s series, has been invited to the event to support inclusion initiatives and raise awareness of the issues faced by people with hearing impairments. Police have also introduced a weapons- and knife-free zone near the Tiergarten for Saturday and Sunday.