Asian Games to Shift to Odd-Numbered Years from 2031, Aligning with Olympic Cycle

The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) executive board approved moving the Asian Games to odd-numbered years, starting with the Doha edition postponed from 2030 to 2031, placing the event within the year before each Summer Olympics.

Asian Games Likely To Shift To Year Before Olympics From 2031 On CricketnmoreAsian Games could shift to odd years from 2031 under new Olympic cycle planThe Straits Times

The Asian Games have been held every four years in even years; a COVID-19-related delay moved 2022 Hangzhou Games to 2023, creating a one-year gap before the 2024 Olympics.

The Straits Times

• Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) – Governing body.

Asian Games Likely To Shift To Year Before Olympics From 2031 On Cricketnmore

• Song Luzeng – OCA Vice-President.

Asian Games Likely To Shift To Year Before Olympics From 2031 On Cricketnmore

• Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC) – National Olympic body.

Asian Games could shift to odd years from 2031 under new Olympic cycle plan

• Gary Tan – Singapore Aquatics coach.

The Straits Times

• Xinhua News Agency.

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• 2026 Aichi-Nagoya (Sept 19–Oct 4)

Asian Games Likely To Shift To Year Before Olympics From 2031 On Cricketnmore

• 2031 Doha (first odd-year edition)

Asian Games Likely To Shift To Year Before Olympics From 2031 On Cricketnmore

• 2035 Riyadh (odd-year shift)

Asian Games could shift to odd years from 2031 under new Olympic cycle plan

The OCA said the shift would let the Asian Games act as an Olympic qualifier. The SNOC noted tighter spacing could balance athletes’ calendars, referencing the 2023 Hangzhou postponement. Gary Tan highlighted periodisation needs.

The Straits Times

Singapore officials warned the 2031 Asian Games would clash with the Southeast Asian Games, compressing competition windows for regional athletes.

The Straits Times

The alignment could raise the Games’ qualifier role, improve athlete preparation and streamline the sporting calendar, attracting more media and sponsor interest.

The Straits Times

Sources spell the OCA vice-president’s name as Song Luzeng or Song Luzheng. The OCA has not issued a final decision beyond board approval, and federation consultation details remain unclear.

Asian Games Likely To Shift To Year Before Olympics From 2031 On Cricketnmore

• “It would allow the Asian Games to serve as a qualifying event for the Olympics, giving more elite athletes valuable competition opportunities and raising the overall standard of the Games.” — Song Luzeng, Vice-President, OCA

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• “An SNOC spokesperson said: “If aligning the Asian Games more closely with the international sporting calendar enhances overall planning and athlete preparation, it is a move worth considering.” — SNOC spokesperson

The Straits Times

• “A Games is a Games. We will continue to work closely with the athletes and the wider Singapore Aquatics team to adapt our training and competition plans where needed, so that our swimmers are well primed to achieve their goals.” — Gary Tan, National Swimming Head Coach, Singapore Aquatics

The Straits Times

• “Asian Olympic Council Vice President Song Luzheng said the change would help position the Asian Games as a stronger Olympic qualifier, offering elite athletes more high-level competition opportunities and raising the overall standard of the event.” — Song Luzheng, Vice-President, OCA

Asian Games could shift to odd years from 2031 under new Olympic cycle plan

The OCA will keep consulting international federations before a final calendar. A definitive decision is expected before the Doha 2031 Games, after which the odd-year cycle will apply to Riyadh 2035 and later editions.

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