Bids for the 2038 Asian Games
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The bids for the 2038 Asian Games, to be officially known as the 23rd Asian Games, concern the selection process by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) for the host of a future edition of the Asian Games, a continental multi-sport event held every four years. The 2038 edition is the next available hosting slot following the OCA's simultaneous award of the 2030 Asian Games to Doha, Qatar, and the 2034 Asian Games to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, at the 39th OCA General Assembly in Muscat, Oman, on 16 December 2020.[1] No host has yet been selected. As of April 2026, the OCA has received a bid from India, and expressions of interest from Malaysia, Mongolia and South Korea.[2]
| Overview | |
|---|---|
| XXIII Asian Games VIII Asian Para Games | |
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| Winner: To be determined | |
| Details | |
| Committee | OCA |
| Map | |
 | |
| Important dates | |
| Decision | |
| Winner | To be determined |
| Runner-up | |
Background
Bidding process
The following is the ongoing timeline of the bidding process for the 2038 Asian Games:
- Expressions of interest from National Olympic Committees (2021–present)
- Candidature submissions (TBD)
- OCA Evaluation Committee visits (TBD)
- Election of the host city (TBD)
Interested parties
| City | Country | National Olympic Committee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ahmedabad |  India |
Indian Olympic Association | Bid Submitted |
|
India expressed interest in hosting the Games, with Ahmedabad proposed as the host city.[4] The proposal was discussed during the OCA Executive Board meeting in Sanya, China.[5] The OCA confirmed that an evaluation visit would follow.[6] The city will host the 2029 World Police and Fire Games, 2030 Commonwealth Games, and is bidding for the 2036 Summer Olympics. On 29 April 2026, the OCA Executive Board announced that it had welcomed a bid submission by the Indian Olympic Association. Its technical report is to be submitted and reviewed in September 2026.[7] | |||
| Gwangju and Daegu |  South Korea |
Korean Sport & Olympic Committee | Interested |
|
The South Korean cities of Gwangju and Daegu launched a joint bid in 2021 under the “Dalbit (Moonlight) Alliance”.[8] A formal launch ceremony was held in Daegu on 15 November 2021.[9] A public signature campaign gathered support across both cities.[10] The bid later faced criticism from civic groups regarding a lack of public consultation.[11] In 2023, renewed efforts included public surveys showing majority support for the project.[12] | |||
| Kuala Lumpur |  Malaysia |
Olympic Council of Malaysia | Interested |
|
Malaysia has explored a potential bid, with Kuala Lumpur expected as the candidate city.[13] Government-level discussions remain preliminary.[14] OCA leadership has encouraged Malaysia to consider hosting future Games.[15] | |||
| TBD |  Vietnam |
Vietnam Olympic Committee | Interested |
|
In May 2026, the Government of Vietnam officially signaled its intent to host the 2038 Asian Games. The "Development of Key Sports 2026–2046" program was approved and launched, which integrates the bid as a primary national objective. The strategy focuses on achieving a top 15 continental ranking and upgrading national training facilities to international standards to support the hosting requirements for the 2038 edition.[16] | |||
| Ulaanbaatar |  Mongolia |
Mongolian National Olympic Committee | Interested |
|
In April 2026, it was reported that the Mongolian National Olympic Committee had submitted a bid for the capital Ulaanbaatar to host the 2038 Asian Games.[17] Mongolia is also bidding to host the 2030 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games.[2] | |||