The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) announced on Tuesday that the Asian Games 2022, which were initially slated for September this year, will now take place from September 23 to October 8, 2023.
The Asian Games were postponed in May due to the rapid spread of COVID-19 in and around Hangzhou, China, the host city. The quadrennial event was set to take place from September 10 to September 25, 2022.
Following the announcement of the Asian Games’ postponement on May 6, the OCA organised a task team to find new dates that did not interfere with other significant international sporting events next year.
The work force met with the Chinese Olympic Committee, the Hangzhou Asian Games Organising Committee (HAGOC), and other stakeholders before recommending the September-October 2023 timeframe.
For the third time, the Asian Games, now in their 19th edition, will be hosted in China. Beijing held the Games in 1990, and Guangzhou hosted the prestigious event in 2010.
“The OCA thanks HAGOC, the Chinese Olympic Committee, as well as governments at all levels for ensuring they (Asian Games) can take place next year,” the Olympic Council of Asia said in a statement.
“The OCA would also like to express its appreciation for the patience shown by national Olympic committees, international/Asian federations, and other stakeholders.”
The Asian Games 2022 venue and facility development was finished in April.
Asian Games 2023 Sports list: Hangzhou, China
Opening Ceremony: 23/09/2023
Closing Ceremony: 08/10/2023
HOST CITY: Hangzhou
COUNTRY: People’s Republic of China
Events: 482
Sports: 40
Official Website: http://www.hangzhou2022.cn/
Disciplines: 61
NOC: 45
Game No: 19