Qatar begins official journey towards Doha 2030 Asian Games

Qatar has officially begun its journey towards hosting the 21st Asian Games – Doha 2030 after taking over the Asian Games flag in Nagoya, Japan.

Qatar Olympic Committee Secretary General Jassim bin Rashid Al-Buainain, who also serves as Vice Chairman of the Olympic Council of Asia and a member of the Doha 2030 Organising Committee, said the handover marked the formal start of Qatar’s preparations to welcome Asia back to Doha.

‘A new and exceptional sporting experience’

Al-Buainain said Qatar was proud to begin the official journey towards Doha 2030 and stressed that the country’s ambition goes beyond simply hosting the event again.

He said the goal is to create a new and exceptional sporting experience, shaped by athletes, National Olympic Committees and communities that contribute to the modern Asian sporting landscape.

Building on the legacy of Doha 2006

Al-Buainain described the Doha 2006 Asian Games as a historic milestone in Qatar’s sporting development.

Doha 2030 will mark the return of the continental multi-sport event to the Qatari capital 24 years after the 2006 edition.

He said the upcoming Games would build on that legacy while responding to the changing expectations of athletes and sports organisations across Asia.

Focus on cooperation and shared values

Al-Buainain highlighted the Asian Games as a platform that brings together countries, communities and athletes from across one of the world’s most diverse continents.

He said the event creates moments of sporting competition and national pride while also generating shared experiences whose impact can extend beyond the competition venues.

Responsibility towards Asia’s sporting community

Al-Buainain also stressed the shared responsibility involved in delivering an event that meets the expectations of athletes, National Olympic Committees and the wider Asian sporting community.

He said the journey towards Doha 2030 would be shaped by the values of cooperation, mutual respect and friendship, describing them as central principles behind the long-standing significance of the Asian Games.

The handover of the flag now marks the start of the next phase of preparations as Qatar works towards hosting Asia’s largest multi-sport event in 2030.

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