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MUSCAT, Oman – The 2030 Asian Games were awarded to Doha on Wednesday and the 2034 event went to Riyadh after a deal was reached between rival nations.
Qatar’s capital Doha beat its Saudi Arabian counterpart Riyadh in the 2030 Games in the general assembly vote of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).
The vote took place amid a bitter and protracted political dispute between Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Saudi Arabia is one of four countries that has imposed a trade and travel boycott of Qatar since 2017, although there have recently been indications that the dispute could be resolved. The OCA reached an agreement to vote on the 2030 host, but to give the other candidate the 2034 event.
“That means there is no winner and no loser,” said OCA President Sheikh Ahmad al-Fahad al-Sabah of Kuwait, thanking the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia and Qatar and the host of the conference, Oman, for helping to negotiate the agreement. “Thank you, Asia, for the solidarity and coordination.”
Qatari bid officials wore masks and waved flags as they celebrated together. Vote totals were not immediately announced.
Qatar will also host the 2022 World Cup.
Wednesday’s vote was repeatedly delayed due to problems with the electronic voting system and many delegates participated remotely amid the coronavirus pandemic. In the hall, 26 delegates received ballot papers and 19 voted remotely.
Hangzhou (China) will host the 2022 edition, while Aichi-Nagoya (Japan) will co-host in 2026.
