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Asian Games Shift to 2031, Becoming Olympic Qualifier

4/28/2026

38 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

OCA Shifts Games

The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) board approved moving the Asian Games to odd years from 2031, shifting the 2030 Doha edition to 2031.
OCA official Song Luzeng said the shift will let the Games serve as an Olympic qualifier.
Singapore swimming coach Gary Tan said the 2031 Games give swimmers a chance before the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

Summary

OCA Proposes Shift

The proposal will still require consultations with international sports federations before a final decision can be confirmed.
Xinhua News Agency reported that the plan was discussed at the recent Olympic Council of Asia meeting in Sanya.
Asian Olympic Council Vice President Song Luzheng said the shift would raise the overall standard of the Asian Games by giving elite athletes more high-level competition opportunities.

Summary

OCA Resets Calendar

Riyadh’s 2034 Asian Games are shifted to 2035, delaying the host by one year.
The 2038 Asian Games bid stays under review and would be the continent’s third return.
Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Games retain September 19-October 4, 2026 dates, the only unchanged edition.
The new four-year cycle puts Asian Games the year before each Summer Olympics through 2038, turning Doha 2031, Riyadh 2035 and the 2038 host into odd-year events.

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OCA Shifts Games

The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) board approved moving the Asian Games to odd years from 2031, shifting the 2030 Doha edition to 2031.
OCA official Song Luzeng said the shift will let the Games serve as an Olympic qualifier.
Singapore swimming coach Gary Tan said the 2031 Games give swimmers a chance before the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

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