India’s Mega-Sport Push As Asian Games 2038 Bid Adds to Olympic Dream

After winning the bid to host the Commonwealth Games 2030 and expecting hosting rights for the 2036 Olympics, India has now made a long jump to submit an expression of interest to host the 2038 Asian Games. India last hosted an Asian Games in 1982 in New Delhi. The national capital territory of Delhi had also hosted the Games in 1951.

President of the Indian Olympic Association PT Usha has met with OCA chief H.E. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani on Thursday to further strengthen the Olympic Movement.

“Yes, we have submitted an EOI, and it was discussed by the OCA in its executive board meeting," said IOA CEO Raghuram Iyer.“It’s only an expression of interest for now. They (OCA) had an initial discussion, and they will tell us what to do going ahead,” Iyer added further.

“The meeting featured insightful discussions on grassroots sports development, athlete pathways, and enhancing regional collaboration. India also shared its vision to host the Asian Games 2038, underscoring its long-term commitment to advancing sport and promoting Olympic values across the continent,” the IOA said in a statement.

As such, there is no deadline for submitting proposals. The 2030 Asian Games will take place in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, and the 2034 edition will take place in Doha, Qatar. The OCA jointly awarded the 2030 and 2034 Asian Games in 2020. The 2026 edition will take place from September 19 to October 4 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.Additionally, Korea and Mongolia have put forth bids to host the Asian Games in 2038.

An OCA official said that the host city of the 2038 Asian Games is likely to be decided in 2028. “It (the award of 2038 Asian Games) is likely to be done in two years’ time,” said the official.