Asian Games 2038: Host, Location & What We Know
Who will host the Asian Games 2038 and will Ahmedabad be the next Asian sporting capital?
The host has not been confirmed yet, but the 2038 Games are already attracting wide interest across Asia. India has got into the competition by proposing Ahmedabad as the host city by filing an official bid to the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).
In April 2026, the OCA Executive Board accepted the Indian bid and formed an Inspection and Evaluation Committee to look at Ahmedabad’s readiness. Evaluation will be carried out based on Sports Venues, Sports Facilities, Sports Infrastructure, Sports Operational & Logistical Plan and Plan Budget.
Who Will Host the Asian Games 2038?
The final host has yet to be announced.
India is currently one of the most closely watched contenders because the Indian Olympic Association has submitted an official bid to host the Games in Ahmedabad. The OCA has welcomed that bid and started the evaluation process.
The final host decision will depend on the OCA’s established process and its assessment of the competing proposals.
Is Ahmedabad Confirmed as the Asian Games 2038 Host?
No. Ahmedabad is not yet confirmed.
Ahmedabad is the city proposed by India in its official bid. The OCA’s Executive Board has welcomed India’s submission and created an Inspection and Evaluation Committee to examine the proposal.
The committee’s assessment is expected to consider:
- Sports venues
- Existing facilities
- Infrastructure
- Operational planning
- Logistics
- Budget
- Overall readiness to stage the Games
Why Is India Bidding for the Asian Games 2038?
India’s efforts are part of a larger campaign to make its country a sporting events hub.
India is looking forward to host the Commonwealth Games 2030 in Ahmedabad and has even campaigned for the Olympic Games 2036. In this context, the 2038 Asian Games bid thus falls in the broader agenda of hosting big multi-sports events in the country.
The Asian Games could have a number of possibilities for India.
A Bigger International Sporting Profile
The Asian Games attract athletes and teams from across the continent. Hosting the event would place India at the center of Asian sport for the duration of the competition.
More Sports Infrastructure
For a major multi-sport event, there is a need for venues for competitions, facilities for athletes, athlete accommodation and infrastructure. There might be a faster sports development process during preparation for the Games.
A Platform for Indian Athletes
Having a major event on its home soil can provide a platform to Indian athletes to run in familiar soil and promote more participation in the Olympics and Asian sports on home grounds.
A Major Sporting Legacy
A successful Asian Games could leave behind upgraded venues, improved event-management experience and greater international confidence in India’s ability to stage major sporting competitions.
Why Ahmedabad Is India’s Proposed Asian Games 2038 Host City
Ahmedabad is at the heart of India’s current proposal.
The city has increasingly featured in India’s plans for major international sporting events. It is already set to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, while India has also associated Ahmedabad with its wider Olympic ambitions.
Who Is Bidding for the Asian Games 2038?
India is not the only country associated with the 2038 hosting race.
The current bidding landscape includes India’s official proposal and several other reported expressions of interest. However, interest, an expression of interest and a formal bid are not necessarily the same thing.
| Country | Proposed City/Area | Current Status |
| India | Ahmedabad | Official bid submitted |
| South Korea | Gwangju–Daegu | Reported interest |
| Malaysia | Kuala Lumpur | Reported interest |
| Mongolia | Ulaanbaatar | Reported bid/interest |
| Vietnam | City not finalized | Reported interest |
Asian Games Host Timeline
The 2038 Games follow three already allocated editions.
| Asian Games | Year | Host |
| 20th Asian Games | 2026 | Aichi-Nagoya, Japan |
| 21st Asian Games | 2030 | Doha, Qatar |
| 22nd Asian Games | 2034 | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia |
| 23rd Asian Games | 2038 | Host to be decided |
India’s Asian Games Hosting History
India’s connection with the Asian Games goes all the way back to the beginning.
New Delhi 1951: The First Asian Games
In 1951, 1st Asian Games were held in New Delhi.
It was the continent’s first ever multi-sport Games and paved the way for India’s Asian Games history.
New Delhi 1982: India Hosts Again
In 1982, New Delhi was the host for the ninth edition.
On winning the hosting rights of 2038 in the future, India will become a three-time Asian Games host country.
Which Sports Will Be Played at the Asian Games 2038?
The official programme of sports for the Asian Games 2038 is not yet to be declared.
Asian Games programmes can evolve from one edition to another, and the final programme for 2038 will be determined much closer to the event.
So, at this stage, there is no confirmed list covering:
- Athletics
- Swimming
- Football
- Cricket
- Basketball
- Esports
- Boxing
- Wrestling
- Badminton
- Tennis
- Other sports
Asian Games 2038 Bid Timeline
2021 onward — Early interest
Potential Asian cities and countries began considering the opportunity to host the 2038 edition.
April 2026 — India officially enters the spotlight
The Indian Olympic Association’s proposal for Ahmedabad became a major development in the 2038 race.
Earlier reporting described India’s submission as an expression of interest.
April 29, 2026 — OCA welcomes India’s official bid
The OCA Executive Board formally welcomed India’s official bid to host the 2038 Asian Games in Ahmedabad.
2026 — Evaluation process
The OCA established an Inspection and Evaluation Committee to assess Ahmedabad’s proposal.
September 2026 — Major upcoming milestone
The technical report is scheduled to be considered at the OCA Executive Board meeting in Nagoya.
Future — Host decision
However, the following stages of the selection process will decide whether Ahmedabad would end up getting the hosting rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where will the Asian Games 2038 be held?
The location has not yet been officially confirmed. India has submitted an official bid proposing Ahmedabad as the host city, and the OCA is evaluating the proposal.
Who will host the Asian Games 2038?
No host has been officially selected yet. India is currently pursuing the Games for Ahmedabad.
Is Ahmedabad confirmed for Asian Games 2038?
No. Ahmedabad is India’s proposed host city. The OCA must complete its evaluation and host-selection process before the city can be called the official host.
Has India hosted the Asian Games before?
Yes — twice. India hosted the first Asian Games in New Delhi in 1951 and again in 1982. Ahmedabad 2038 would make India a three-time host.
Why does India want to host the Asian Games 2038?
India’s quest is part of its strategy to host big international sports events. Ahmedabad is also in the list for the 2030 Commonwealth Games and India has been eyeing the 2036 Olympic Games.
Final Thoughts
Although it is yet to be officially confirmed, Ahmedabad is the proposed host city for Asian Games 2038. The next couple of months could be pivotal due to the fact that India’s bid was being looked into by the OCA. If Ahmedabad wins the rights, it would become only the second Indian city to host the Asian Games — and India a three-time host nation — bringing a major boost for sport, infrastructure and tourism. See every Asian Games host country by year and where the next Asian Games will be held. Keep abreast of the OCA’s process towards its final decision.
