India’s Sporting Ambition Expands Further As 2038 Asian Games Bid Gains Momentum After Olympics Push: Report

India's sporting journey got a major fillip as the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) targets to host the Asian Games 2038 after making a strong place for the Olympics in 2036. According to a report by the Indian Express, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) wrote to the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) earlier this month, expressing its interest in hosting the Asian continental competition in 2038.

The hosts for the 2026, 2030, and 2034 Asian Games have already been decided. The upcoming 2026 Asian Games will take place in Japan. The next Asian Games are scheduled to take place in Doha in 2030, while the 2034 edition is slotted to take place in Riyadh.

Will The Asian Games 2038 Take Place In India?

India's proposal to host the Asian Games in 2038 was discussed at the Olympic Council of Asia's Executive Board meeting in China on Thursday. The OCA's evaluation team will now visit India to make an initial assessment.

"We are interested in bringing the Asian Games to India. We are in touch with the OCA and have written to them expressing our interest. We will be in dialogue with the OCA," IOA CEO Raghuram Iyer was quoted as saying by the Indian Express.

India To Host Commonwealth Games 2030

India has already secured the rights to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, which are scheduled to take place in Ahmedabad. In preparation for major global sporting events, including a potential bid for the 2036 Olympics, the Indian government has significantly expanded sporting infrastructure in the city.

A key development is the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave, a sprawling 355-acre facility located adjacent to the Narendra Modi Stadium, which is expected to serve as a central venue for multiple events.

Additional sporting infrastructure is also being developed at the Karai Sports Hub, a 100-acre facility located close to the reclaimed Sabarmati riverfront. Meanwhile, competitions during the Commonwealth Games are expected to be hosted across multiple venues in Ahmedabad, including the Savarkar Sports Complex, Eka Arena, and the Narendra Modi Stadium.