Doha, Qatar, formally received the Olympic Council of Asia Flag at the closing ceremony of the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 in Japan on 4 October 2026. The handover took place at Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium in Nagoya and marked the official transition of host responsibility for the 21st Asian Games in 2030.
Asian Games Handover Ceremony
The Olympic Council of Asia uses a flag handover ceremony to transfer hosting duties from one Asian Games host city to the next. The 2030 Asian Games baton was received by H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, who is the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar.
Doha 2030 and Event Identity
Doha 2030 unveiled its identity and slogan, “The Games We Live For”, during the closing ceremony. Doha previously hosted the Asian Games in 2006, which made the 2030 edition the city’s second Asian Games.
Sports Infrastructure and Scheduling
Qatar plans to use existing sports infrastructure for the 2030 Asian Games, including venues associated with the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Organisers have also stated that the event may move to 2031 if the Olympic Council of Asia and the International Olympic Committee reschedule continental multi-sport events for Olympic qualification purposes.
Important Facts for Exams
- The Asian Games are a continental multi-sport event organised by the Olympic Council of Asia.
- Doha hosted the Asian Games for the first time in 2006.
- The 20th Asian Games were held in Aichi-Nagoya in Japan in 2026.
- The Olympic Council of Asia Flag is used in the formal handover ceremony between host cities.
Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Closing Ceremony
The Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games ended with more than 350 records broken, including over 50 world records. Medals were won by 40 out of 45 National Olympic Committees at the event.
