Doha Says It Can Host Asian Games in 2031 if Calendar Shifts
Doha's Asian Games chief says Qatar is prepared to stage the 2030 Games a year later if the Olympic Council of Asia decides to move the event to 2031.
During the ongoing Asian Games in Japan, Ahmad Abdulla Al-Buenain confirmed that Doha is fully equipped to host the event should the Olympic Council of Asia move it from the planned 2030 slot to 2031. He emphasized that the venues are ready and operational plans are underway, but any date change would require coordination between the OCA and the International Olympic Committee. The suggested calendar adjustment would allow the Doha Games to serve as a qualifier and preparation phase for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.
Al-Buenain noted that Qatar has experience hosting major sports events, including the 2006 Asian Games and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Meanwhile, the Aichi-Nagoya Games face criticism over athlete housing shortages and logistical challenges for more than 17,000 athletes and officials.
Why it matters
The decision could reshape the Asian Games schedule and affect Olympic qualification pathways.
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