Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has officially cancelled The 6th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games (AIMAG), originally scheduled to take place in Bangkok-Chonburi from November 21-30, 2024.
This decision came after the AIMAG Organising Committee failed to meet the necessary criteria outlined in the Host City Contract by the final deadline on August 19, 2024.
The AIMAG Organising Committee had previously assured the OCA during the 43rd OCA General Assembly in May 2024 that all preparations for the Games would be completed by July. However, despite these assurances, the committee was unable to fulfill the nine critical conditions set by the OCA Executive Board during an emergency meeting on August 15, 2024. As the deadline passed without these conditions being met, the OCA was left with no option but to cancel the event.
The OCA expressed deep regret for the impact this decision will have on the athletes who were preparing to compete in the Games. The council acknowledged the significant efforts made to try to keep the event on track but ultimately decided that cancellation was in the best interest of all stakeholders, particularly the athletes. The OCA will work closely with the respective National Olympic Committees (NOCs) to ensure that the affected athletes receive the necessary support moving forward.
Despite this setback, the OCA has left the door open for Thailand to potentially host the AIMAG after the next edition, which will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2026. If Thailand wishes to pursue hosting rights for a future edition, it can apply through the standard OCA procedures.
The 6th AIMAG had already faced multiple delays, initially due to the COVID-19 pandemic and later due to a change in the Thai government.
Credit Photo : OCA
