Olympic Council of Asia says 2029 Saudi Winter Games are 'on schedule'
The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has reiterated that the
2029 Asian Winter Games, set to be held in Saudi Arabia, remain "on
schedule" despite reports suggesting potential delays in the development
of the NEOM megacity.
Saudi Arabia was awarded the Games in 2022, with plans to
host them in Trojena, a mountainous region within NEOM—a futuristic $500
billion project in the country’s northwest.
Last week, The Financial Times reported that construction of
the ski resort in Trojena was facing delays, prompting Saudi officials to
explore the possibility of postponing the Games by four years. The report also
indicated that Saudi Arabia had discussed alternative hosts for 2029, including
South Korea and China.
Read More Saudi
Arabia preparing for future Asian Winter Games hosting
South Korea’s Yonhap news agency reported that the OCA had
approached Korean Sport & Olympic Committee (KSOC) president Ryu Seung-min
to assess South Korea’s readiness to step in as a backup host.
However, on Sunday, the Kuwait-based OCA issued a statement
expressing confidence in the current progress. “We are pleased with the strong
progress being made, as we closely monitor the on-schedule work from the local
organising committee (LOC),” the statement read.
“We appreciate the bold ambition of the venue and the
opportunities it will create as a new winter sports destination serving the
future of sport in Asia,” the OCA added.
Both South Korea and China are seen as capable alternatives,
having hosted the Winter Olympics in 2018 and 2022, respectively. China also
hosted the Asian Winter Games in Harbin earlier this year.
Read More Mountains
in Neom’s Trojena ski resort receive snow
When asked about China potentially stepping in, foreign
ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Friday, “I haven’t heard of the situation
you mentioned. We support Saudi Arabia in hosting the next Asian Winter Games.”
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