Doha “ready” if the 2030 Asian Games are moved to 2031
Doha would be ready to host the Asian Games in 2031 if the Olympic Council of Asia moves the event back a year, the chief executive of the Doha 2030 organising committee has said. The 21st Asian Games are currently scheduled for 4–19 November 2030.
Speaking to AFP in Nagoya during the 2026 Asian Games, Ahmad Abdulla Al-Buenain said: “For us, it’s 2030.” He added that any change would be decided between the OCA and the International Olympic Committee, and that Qatar already has its venues in place.
Why the date could change
Reports in April 2026 said the OCA executive board had approved reshaping the calendar so that future Asian Games also serve as Olympic qualifying and preparation events. That would place the Doha Games in 2031, a few months before the 2032 Olympics in Brisbane.
What Doha already has
- Khalifa International Stadium for athletics and ceremonies
- Lusail Stadium and other 2022 FIFA World Cup venues
- Hamad Aquatic Centre for swimming and diving
More: Asian Games 2030 Doha guide
Sources: Khaleej Times / AFP, 1 Oct 2026; New Straits Times; 2030 Asian Games (Wikipedia).
