Doha, October 05 (QNA) - Qatar's hosting of the 21st Asian Games, Doha 2030, has garnered widespread attention from Asian and international media following the official handover of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) flag at the conclusion of Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Games in Japan. The handover marks the beginning of a new phase in Doha's preparations to host the continental event for the second time, following the 2006 edition.
Media coverage focused on Doha's preparations for the upcoming Asian Games and unveiling of the event's new identity. The Qatari presentation during the closing ceremony of Aichi-Nagoya Games in Japan drew significant attention, particularly the introduction of the new Doha 2030 identity and “The Games We Live Forâ€‌ slogan. The artistic performance linked Qatar's sporting history, including its hosting of Asian Games in 2006, with its readiness to welcome the continent once again in 2030.
The presentation featured Olympic champion Mutaz Barshim and Qatari equestrian Jassim Al Kuwari, who appeared on horseback carrying the flag. The scene evoked one of the most iconic moments from the Doha 2006 opening ceremony, creating a visual link between the past and future editions. Artist Dana Al Meer also performed the Qatari national anthem, drawing an enthusiastic response from the crowd at Mizuho Stadium.
Doha made headlines across various international media outlets. Reuters highlighted the transfer of hosting rights for the Asian Games to Qatar, while the Associated Press noted the Games' westward shift to Doha for the 2030 edition.
Across Asia, Qatar's successful bid garnered significant media attention. South Korea's The Korea Times ran the headline See You in Doha in Four Years, while China's CCTV used the headline Olympic Council of Asia Flag Handover to Doha: The Next Stop. Other Chinese media outlets highlighted the moment the flag was handed over to Qatar and Doha's readiness to host the Games for the second time. Japanese media outlets, including NHK and Kyodo News, focused on the flag handover ceremony and the transfer of hosting rights from Aichi-Nagoya 2026 to Doha 2030.
Qatar's receipt of the Asian Games flag also garnered coverage from other Asian media outlets, including The Times of India, The Indian Express, Channel News Asia, and the Philippine Daily Inquirer, which highlighted the transition of hosting duties to Doha and the official start of preparations for the 2030 edition.
The media coverage reflects widespread interest in Qatar's hosting of the upcoming Asian Games and confidence in the country's readiness for the event. This confidence is reinforced by Qatar's previous experience in hosting the Asian Games and numerous world-class championships, as well as its world-class sports infrastructure and facilities, which support preparations for an exceptional 2030 edition. (QNA)