In a strategic move that could reshape the sporting landscape in Asia, the Olympic Council of Asia is considering a historic proposal to move the Asian Games, the continent's largest multi-sport event, to odd-numbered years instead of even-numbered ones. This change, slated to begin with the 2031 edition, aims to directly link the Asian Games to the Olympic Games, transforming them into a major qualifying event one year prior to the Olympics, thus giving them unprecedented momentum and importance on the international stage.
Historical background and context of the decision
The Asian Games were first held in New Delhi in 1951 as a symbol of unity and solidarity among the nations of the continent in the aftermath of World War II. Since then, the Games have been held every four years in even-numbered years (such as 2018, 2022, and 2026), which has placed them in the same year as other major global sporting events, most notably the FIFA World Cup. This overlap has presented logistical and marketing challenges for host countries and National Olympic Committees, and has diverted the attention of fans and the international media.
Details of the proposal and its impact on future sessions
According to the proposal, which received preliminary approval from the Executive Board of the Olympic Council of Asia, the 2026 edition scheduled for Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, will remain as planned. The radical change will begin with the following edition, hosted by Doha, Qatar, which will be postponed from 2030 to 2031. The Doha 2031 Games will thus become the first to be held in an odd-numbered year, with subsequent editions taking place every four years (2035, 2039, and so on), always in the year preceding the Summer Olympic Games.
Strategic importance and expected impacts
This shift carries significant strategic implications. On a technical level, the decision will provide Asian athletes with a clearer and more focused path to Olympic qualification, as the Asian Games will become a decisive and crucial stage in their journey. Xinhua News Agency quoted Song Lucheng, vice president of the Olympic Council of Asia, as saying, “This move will give the Asian Games a qualifying role for the Olympics, providing outstanding athletes with additional opportunities to compete at a high level and contributing to raising the overall quality of the Games.”.
Internationally, this change enhances the prestige of the Asian Games, increases their commercial and media value, and avoids clashes with the already crowded global sporting calendar. It also grants local organizing committees, such as those for Doha (2031) and Riyadh (2034), greater flexibility in their preparations. Implementing this decision requires close coordination with international sports federations to ensure that the Asian Games results are recognized as part of the official Olympic qualification system, consultations currently underway by the Olympic Council of Asia.
