The Olympic Council of Asia plans to reschedule the Asian Games to the year immediately before the Summer Olympics in a move aimed at better aligning the continental event with the world's biggest sporting showcase, an official said on Monday.

The adjustment is expected to take effect from the Doha Asian Games, which would be moved from 2030 to 2031, said Song Luzeng, vice president of the council.

The proposal has already been approved by the council's executive board and is now under further consultation with international sports federations.

"It would allow the Asian Games to serve as a qualifying event for the Olympics, giving more elite athletes valuable competition opportunities and raising the overall standard of the Games," Song said.

Song noted that Olympic qualification is currently managed by international federations and that the Olympic Council of Asia is in the final stage of discussions with some of them on the new plan.

The 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, will proceed as scheduled. (Xinhua)


Edited by Tony Sabine