Qatar to receive Asian Games flag as journey to Doha 2030 begins

Qatar will receive the Olympic Council of Asia flag today, October 4, during the closing ceremony of the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games, officially beginning the country’s journey towards hosting the 21st Asian Games in Doha in 2030.

The 20th Asian Games, which began on September 19 with the participation of 45 National Olympic Committees, conclude today in Japan before the flag is handed over to Doha as the next host city.

Asian Games return to Doha after 20 years

The handover carries particular significance for Qatar, coming 20 years after Doha hosted the Asian Games for the first time in 2006.

Receiving the flag officially opens the next phase of preparations ahead of the event’s return to the Qatari capital in four years.

Doha 2030 preparations begin

Preparations for Doha 2030 are expected to build on Qatar’s experience in hosting major international sporting events and its existing sports infrastructure.

According to the report, sustainability and the optimal use of existing venues will be central to the planning for the 2030 Games.

Qatar delegation studies Aichi-Nagoya 2026

Members of the Doha 2030 Asian Games Organising Committee have also been participating in the Observer Programme during Aichi-Nagoya 2026.

The programme has allowed the delegation to study the organisational and operational aspects of staging the Asian Games and gain first-hand experience that can be applied to preparations in Qatar.

Countdown to 2030 begins

With the flag handover, the next four years will mark the formal build-up to Doha 2030.

Qatar is aiming to deliver another major edition of Asia’s largest multi-sport event, building on the legacy of the Doha 2006 Asian Games and the country’s subsequent experience hosting major global competitions. 

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