The Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, ended on Sunday, October 4, with a closing ceremony at the Paloma Mizuho Stadium. Attention now turns to the next Asian Games, which will be hosted by Doha, Qatar.
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Next Asian Games Doha Takes the Flag
Representatives of the Qatar Olympic Committee received the OCA flag from Japan in Aichi-Nagoya, formally completing the handover. The 21st Asian Games will be Qatar’s second, after the 2006 edition. That makes Doha only the fourth city to host the Games twice.
Will It Be 2030 or 2031?
The Games were originally scheduled for 2030, but the date may change. In February 2026, the OCA Executive Board approved a proposal to move the Games cycle to the year before the Summer Olympics. That would shift Doha from 2030 to 2031 and Riyadh’s 2034 edition to 2035.
The OCA’s public calendar still lists Doha 2030. Organisers have said they are ready to host in either year while discussions continue.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Host city | Doha, Qatar |
| Edition | 21st Asian Games |
| Original date | 2030 |
| Proposed date | 2031 |
| Main venue | Khalifa International Stadium (expected) |
| Following edition | Riyadh, 2034 (proposed shift to 2035) |
Ready-Made Infrastructure
Much of the infrastructure was built for the 2006 Games and the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and Khalifa International Stadium is expected to be a main venue. Doha 2030 will also be the first of two back-to-back editions in the Middle East.
India’s Performance in 2026
India finished fourth in the medal table at Aichi-Nagoya with 85 medals: 21 golds, 27 silvers and 37 bronzes. The team won double golds in cricket, hockey and kabaddi. Trap shooter Neeru Dhanda won three medals and carried the flag at the closing ceremony.
For more Asian Games updates, check out our Sports section on TechnoSports.
