Ahmedabad To Host Asian Games? Olympic Council of Asia Backs India's 2038 Bid

Last Updated:May 01, 2026, 09:38 IST

OCA welcomes Indias bid to host the 2038 Asian Games in Ahmedabad, will send an inspection team, may shift the Games to 2039, other bidders include South Korea and Mongolia

The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has formally acknowledged India’s bid to host the 2038 Asian Games in Ahmedabad and confirmed that an inspection team will soon visit the city to assess its preparedness. The development was announced after the OCA Executive Board meeting in Sanya, where India’s proposal was a major point of discussion.

In its statement, the OCA said it had “welcomed the official bid submitted by the Indian Olympic Association to host the 2038 Asian Games in the city of Ahmedabad," while also reviewing broader strategic issues related to the future of sport across the continent.

The governing body indicated that scheduling changes are under consideration, with the Asian Games likely to move to odd-numbered years to better align with the Olympic cycle. As a result, the 2038 edition could potentially be held in 2039, ensuring the event takes place a year before the Olympics and continues to serve as a key qualification pathway for several disciplines.

OCA President Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani and Executive Board members praised India’s ambition, stating that they “commended India’s ambitious vision to host the continent’s premier sporting event," and expressed “their appreciation for Ahmedabad’s bid to stage this Asian sporting celebration that brings together the continent’s finest athletes."

What Happens Next?

As the next step, the OCA will appoint an Inspection and Evaluation Committee made up of international and Asian experts. “In line with the OCA’s established procedures for hosting bids, the Executive Board decided to form an Inspection and Evaluation Committee comprising a select group of leading international and Asian experts," the statement said.

The committee will carry out a detailed on-ground review of Ahmedabad’s infrastructure, including venues, logistics, and financial planning, before submitting its findings at the next Executive Board meeting in Nagoya in September.

India’s bid is part of a broader push to host major global events, following its interest in the Olympics and the Commonwealth Games. Other nations, including South Korea and Mongolia, have also expressed interest in hosting the 2038 edition.

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