Qatar formally assumed the role of host for the 21st Asian Games during the closing ceremony of the 20th edition in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, marking the start of preparations for the event scheduled in Doha in 2030. This will be the second time Qatar hosts the continental competition, two decades after its inaugural hosting in 2006.
At the ceremony held on October 4, HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani, Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, accepted the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) flag on behalf of the country. The flag was then passed to Jassim bin Rashid al-Buenaim, OCA Vice President for the 2030 Asian Games and Secretary General of the Qatar Olympic Committee, who handed it to Olympic and Asian champion high jumper Mutaz Essa Barshim. Barshim carried the flag to the stadium’s centre, symbolizing the transition of hosting duties and its passage into the sporting community.
Alongside the flag handover, Qatar unveiled the visual identity and slogan for Doha 2030, titled “The Games We Live For.” The branding incorporates the OCA sun symbol within the ‘O’ of DOHA, representing unity, aspiration, and the collective dreams of athletes and nations participating in the Games. The slogan emphasizes the shared experiences that sport brings to athletes, fans, and communities, underscoring the event's inspirational impact across Asia.
The program at the closing ceremony featured a short film celebrating the human elements of sport, followed by a performance linking the legacy of Doha 2006 with the forthcoming 2030 Games. A notable moment included a horse-and-rider sequence evoking the torch relay from the 2006 opening ceremony. The flag’s symbolic journey continued westward in a film segment culminating at the Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum, creating a narrative arc across the three editions.
Dr Ahmad Abdulla al-Buenaim, CEO of the Doha 2030 Asian Games Organising Committee, described the flag handover as the beginning of a new chapter, committing to collaborating closely with the OCA, National Olympic Committees, athletes, and partners throughout the next four years to ensure successful preparations.
Jassim bin Rashid al-Buenaim reflected on the honor of receiving the flag and expressed gratitude towards the Aichi-Nagoya organising team for their hospitality and successful staging of the 2026 Asian Games.
HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, President of the Olympic Council of Asia, addressed the audience at the ceremony, inviting Asia’s youth to gather in Doha for the 2030 Games. He emphasized that the transition from Japan to Qatar exemplifies the growing reach and unifying spirit of the Asian Games. Sheikh Joaan highlighted the remarkable achievements witnessed in Aichi-Nagoya — including more than 350 records broken, with over 50 world records set — and praised the performances, sportsmanship, and respect shown by athletes throughout the event.
He also acknowledged the efforts of the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Organising Committee, the Japanese Olympic Committee, local authorities, volunteers, and participating National Olympic Committees for their contributions to a successful Games. Sheikh Joaan concluded by reaffirming that the conclusion of the Aichi-Nagoya Games marks the commencement of a new era for Asian sport, with the legacy and inspiration from this edition poised to energize the continent through the 2030 Games in Doha.