New Delhi: A significant change in the international sports calendar could see the Asian Games shifted to odd-numbered years starting from 2031, a move designed to enhance its importance in the lead-up to the Olympic Games. The proposed change would position the continental event within a year of the Olympics, allowing it to serve as both a preparatory platform and a potential qualification pathway for athletes.
Under the plan, the upcoming edition in Japan scheduled for September and October will proceed as planned. However, the 2030 edition, set to be hosted in Doha, could be deferred to 2031. Following this transition, the Games would continue on their traditional four-year cycle but would take place in odd years instead of even ones.
The proposal has reportedly received approval from the executive board of the Olympic Council of Asia, marking a key step toward its potential implementation. Further discussions are expected with various international sports federations to assess the broader impact and coordination required for the shift.
Supporters of the move believe it would significantly raise the competitive standard of the Games. By aligning it closer to the Olympic timeline, athletes would gain a high-level platform to test their form and readiness against top regional competitors just months before the global event. It could also streamline qualification processes, making the Asian Games more consequential in the international sporting structure.
If finalised, the change would reshape how athletes and federations plan their schedules, adding new strategic importance to Asia’s premier multi-sport event.
