The executive board of the Olympic Council of Asia endorsed Kuwait’s bid to stage the region’s inaugural edition of the esports and mind sports games during deliberations in Nagoya, Japan. Kuwait News Agency reported that the decision was reached at the 110th meeting of the board on Friday as part of a wider review of upcoming continental multi-sport events. Sheikh Fahd Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, who holds the positions of OCA vice president for West Asia and president of the Kuwait Olympic Committee, welcomed the outcome as recognition of Kuwait’s growing capabilities in organising complex sporting competitions at the Asian level.
Al-Sabah told the Kuwait News Agency that the selection of Kuwait for the debut edition of the games reflects the substantial confidence placed in the country’s potential and its proven organisational strengths. He added that the Kuwait Olympic Committee will coordinate with the OCA and all relevant entities to secure every logistical and technical requirement so the tournament can be delivered in a manner befitting Kuwait’s standing. The formal hosting agreement between the parties is scheduled to be signed on Saturday, an update from the Olympic Council of Asia confirmed.
The approval forms part of the OCA’s ongoing expansion of its event calendar to incorporate contemporary disciplines that resonate with younger demographics across the continent. In the same session the board evaluated preparations for the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games set for Riyadh in 2026, the Asian Beach Games due in Cebu in 2028 and the Asian Winter Games planned for Almaty in 2029. Such parallel planning underscores the council’s commitment to a diversified programme that balances established and emerging sports formats.
Al-Sabah emphasised that the Kuwait Olympic Committee possesses the experience and infrastructure necessary to meet the expectations attached to this pioneering event. The games will bring together competitors from across Asia in a blend of electronic and cognitive contests, offering a platform that aligns with the rapid evolution of digital competition in the region. Kuwait has hosted numerous successful regional tournaments in recent years, a track record that strengthened its candidacy according to the OCA’s assessment.
Officials from the Kuwait Olympic Committee indicated that detailed planning will commence immediately following the signing ceremony to ensure seamless execution. The event is expected to draw significant participation and spectatorship while reinforcing Kuwait’s profile within the Asian sporting community. Coordination with national federations and international governing bodies for both esports and mind sports will form a central element of the preparatory phase.
