Sheikh Joaan Leads QOC Reception at Aichi-Nagoya 2026 to Showcase Qatari Culture and Doha 2030 Preparations

President of the Olympic Council of Asia and President of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani attended the QOC’s official reception at the 20th Asian Games – Aichi-Nagoya 2026 on Monday, bringing together around 100 guests from across the Asian Olympic movement. The event aimed to celebrate Qatar’s sporting ties with Asia, showcase its culture and hospitality, and highlight its preparations to host the Asian Games in Doha in 2030.

Held at the Qatar delegation headquarters in Nagoya under the patronage of QOC Board Member Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, the reception brought together representatives from National Olympic Committees, sporting organisations, and participating delegations. The gathering highlighted Qatar’s experience in hosting major sporting events and its ongoing preparations for Doha 2030.

In remarks delivered during the reception, Sheikha Hind highlighted Qatar’s experience as a host and the role of hospitality and sport in bringing communities closer together. A short film screened during the event traced Qatar’s Asian Games journey from Doha 2006 to Aichi-Nagoya 2026 and towards Doha 2030, celebrating the contributions of athletes, spectators, and the wider sporting community. Guests also enjoyed Qatari cuisine and a live oud performance showcasing elements of the country’s cultural heritage.

Before the dinner, guests were welcomed at Bayt Qatar, the House of Qatar in Nagoya, where they experienced interactive cultural and digital activations and explored Qatar’s sporting journey. QOC Secretary General Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain noted that the reception provided a valuable opportunity to celebrate strong connections created through sport with partners and friends across the Asian Olympic movement.

QOC Director of Marketing and International Cooperation Sheikha Asma Al Thani stated that the Asian Games hold a special place in Qatar’s sporting journey, pointing to Doha's hosting in 2006 and the upcoming Games in 2030. She added that Bayt Qatar offers visitors a chance to experience Qatari culture and sporting heritage while connecting with communities attending the Games in Japan.

Qatar’s participation in Aichi-Nagoya 2026 marks another chapter in its longstanding relationship with the Asian Games. Bayt Qatar will remain open throughout the Games, offering visitors an opportunity to discover Qatari culture, learn about the development of sport in the country, and explore preparations to welcome Asia again in 2030.