Doha could host Asian Games in 2031 as OCA explores Olympic qualifying shift

The Doha Asian Games could be pushed back to 2031 if the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) proceeds with plans to move the continental multi-sport event closer to the Olympics and use it as a qualification platform, according to Reuters.

Doha is currently scheduled to host the Asian Games in 2030, but organisers have indicated they would accept a change in the calendar if the OCA and International Olympic Committee (IOC) agree to it.

Ahmad Abdulla Al-Buenain, chief executive of the Doha 2030 Asian Games Organising Committee, said the local organising team was focused on ensuring it could deliver the event regardless of the final date.

“For us, we are open,” Al-Buenain told Reuters, adding that the timing would ultimately depend on discussions involving the OCA, IOC and other stakeholders.

The proposed change would see continental Games take place in the year before the Olympics, potentially allowing athletes to use them as qualification events. IOC President Kirsty Coventry has publicly supported the concept.

“I know that the continental associations are pushing and advocating for their Games to happen a year before the Olympic Games so that they can be used for qualifications for the Olympic Games,” Coventry told Xinhua.

The proposal comes as the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games face logistical challenges, particularly around accommodation and transportation for the thousands of athletes and officials attending the event.

Doha, meanwhile, plans to rely on a more compact Games model, grouping events around existing venues. Qatar has built a substantial sporting infrastructure through its hosting of major international competitions, including the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Al-Buenain said the organisers were not looking to remove sports from the programme but would work with the OCA, National Olympic Committees and international federations to ensure the event serves their requirements.

A final decision on whether the Doha Games remain in 2030 or move to 2031 will depend on discussions between the relevant governing bodies.