India has expressed interest in hosting the 2038 Asian Games as part of its ongoing efforts to become a major location for international multi-sport events.
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) submitted the proposal to the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), which discussed it during an executive meeting in Sanya on April 21, coinciding with the Asian Beach Games.
IOA CEO Raghuram Iyer confirmed the submission but emphasized that it’s still in the early stages. He mentioned that they are awaiting further instructions from the OCA.
### Ahmedabad: A Strong Contender
While no official city has been announced yet, Ahmedabad is seen as a strong candidate. The city has already been designated to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games after receiving support from 74 Commonwealth nations at a recent meeting in Glasgow.
This event will be India’s first major international multi-sport hosting opportunity since the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi. Ahmedabad is also a key player in India’s bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games, demonstrating a strategy to gather major sporting events in one region and develop lasting infrastructure.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently reaffirmed the government’s commitment to hosting the Olympics, indicating that India is preparing “with full strength” for the 2036 bid. At the Senior National Volleyball Championship earlier this year, he emphasized that hosting such events would create more opportunities for Indian athletes. He also pointed out initiatives like the Khelo India program, which has helped young talent gain national recognition, and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), aimed at nurturing elite athletes through financial support and international training.
### Growing Competition for Hosting Rights
India may face competition from other nations interested in hosting. South Korea expressed interest back in 2021 with a joint proposal from Gwangju and Daegu, and Mongolia has also shown interest, although details on a formal bid are yet to be confirmed.
The OCA is expected to announce the host city for the 2038 Asian Games around 2028. In the meantime, upcoming Asian Games have already been scheduled, with Riyadh set to host in 2030, Doha in 2034, and Aichi-Nagoya in 2026.
India last hosted the Asian Games in 1982, and also held the inaugural Games in 1951. Since then, the size and scope of the Games have grown, featuring over 10,000 athletes from 45 nations. The most recent event in Hangzhou in 2023 saw more than 11,000 athletes compete in 40 sports.
India’s bid for the 2038 Asian Games, along with its other hosting plans, illustrates its ambition not just to host global events, but also to establish itself as a regular venue on the international sports scene.
