Olympic Council of Asia Explores South Korea as Potential 2029 Winter Games Host Amid Saudi Readiness Concerns

The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has officially initiated discussions with South Korean authorities regarding their potential interest in hosting the 2029 Asian Winter Games. This proactive outreach comes amidst growing questions surrounding the readiness of Saudi Arabia's ambitious futuristic project, Trojena, which was initially designated as the host for the prestigious winter sports event.

Saudi Arabia was awarded the 2029 Asian Winter Games in October 2022, with Trojena – a mountain resort being developed within the colossal NEOM megacity project – earmarked to stage the competition.

Trojena promises to be a groundbreaking destination, featuring outdoor skiing and an artificial freshwater lake in a region known for its desert landscape. However, the sheer scale and innovative nature of the project have led to concerns about its completion timeline and operational readiness for a major international sporting event just five years away.

Hussain Al-Musallam, the Director-General of the Olympic Council of Asia, confirmed the contact with South Korea, indicating a prudent approach by the OCA to ensure the successful staging of the Games.

While no formal statement has been made regarding a potential change of host, the mere act of exploring alternatives signals a cautious stance from the Olympic body, prioritizing the athletes' experience and the integrity of the competition.

South Korea presents a compelling alternative. The nation successfully hosted the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics in 2018, demonstrating its robust infrastructure, organizational prowess, and passion for winter sports.

Specifically, the Gangwon province, which was the heart of the Pyeongchang Games, already boasts world-class venues and established operational logistics, making it an ideal candidate should a contingency plan be required.

Discussions are understood to be in their nascent stages, with South Korean officials reportedly evaluating the feasibility and implications of such a significant undertaking.

While the OCA's primary commitment remains with Trojena, exploring credible alternatives is a standard operational procedure for major sporting bodies to mitigate risks and ensure continuity. The coming months will likely bring further clarity on the status of Trojena's preparations and the potential for South Korea to step into this pivotal role.