Sports · NEWS EXPLAINER
Asian Games close in Nagoya with handover to Doha
As of October 4, Doha was the next host for 2030, with a possible move to 2031 under discussion.
The 20th Asian Games closed on October 4, 2026, at Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium. The ceremony ended Aichi-Nagoya’s edition and passed the OCA flag to Qatar.
What the handover covered
OCA President Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani declared the Games closed. The handover included the OCA flag and the torch and flag from the first Asian Games, held in New Delhi in 1951. Qatar’s high jump champion Mutaz Barshim took part.
The edition that just ended
The OCA called the Games a success, while Reuters documented complaints about accommodation and transport.
What remains open about 2030
OCA’s October 4 statement continued to name Doha 2030. Reuters reported that the OCA was considering a move to 2031 so the Games could serve as Olympic qualifiers ahead of Brisbane 2032.
Doha organisers said on October 1 that they were open to the change if the OCA decided on it. Reuters’ October 4 closing report still described 2031 as a possibility.
