Almaty to host 2029 Asian Winter Games

Almaty will host the 2029 Asian Winter Games, Kazakhstan’s National Olympic Committee (NOC) reported.

On Feb. 5, the President of the Olympic Council of Asia, Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, and Kazakhstan’s NOC President, Gennadiy Golovkin, signed the host city contract in Milan.

The committee noted that all required sports facilities and urban infrastructure are already available in Almaty, allowing the city to be considered for hosting competitions without launching large-scale construction projects. Kazakhstan’s NOC believes that using already commissioned venues, along with the country’s existing experience with major international competitions, will ensure a rational approach to preparing for the Winter Asiad.

Golovkin emphasized that organizing complex international competitions, including the Asian Games, is of strategic importance for the country. He said that this confirms the international sports community’s confidence in Kazakhstan’s ability to host high-level tournaments.

Kazakhstan previously hosted the Winter Asian Games in 2011, with competitions held in Astana, Almaty and the Almaty region. Over 1,000 athletes from 27 countries competed in 69 medal events across 11 sports.

The 2029 Winter Asiad was initially planned to take place in Saudi Arabia. Specialized indoor facilities in the city of Neom, with winter temperatures maintained artificially, were intended for the competitions; however, the project timeline was revised.  

On Feb. 3, Xinhua reported that the Winter Asiad would return to Almaty.