Almaty Named 2029 Asian Winter Games Host, Replacing Neom
The city of Almaty in Kazakhstan has been chosen to host the 2029 Asian Winter Games. This decision came during a ceremony held in Milan, where the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) officially announced Almaty’s selection. The event will replace Trojena ski resort in Neom, Saudi Arabia, which was originally slated to be the host.
Background on the 2029 Asian Winter Games
The 2029 Asian Winter Games, the 10th edition of the event, were initially planned for Trojena. However, concerns regarding construction delays at the Neom site led to the decision to postpone the games in Saudi Arabia.
Official Announcement and Contract Signing
A statement from the OCA confirmed that a Host City Contract has been signed. This contract facilitates Almaty’s role as the venue for the upcoming games. The agreement was reached between the OCA and the National Olympic Committee of Kazakhstan, marking a significant step in the preparations for the event.
Trojena Resort Update
The Trojena ski resort, part of the ambitious Neom mega project, was envisioned as a revolutionary destination in Saudi Arabia. The design is the work of the German architecture studio LAVA and encompasses a series of structures around a large artificial lake.
- Architectural Firms Involved:
- UNStudio
- Zaha Hadid Architects
- Aedas
- Current Status: Construction progress on the Trojena resort has faced significant delays, and the completion timeline remains uncertain.
Future Prospects for Neom
Neom, part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan, aims to diversify the country’s economy beyond oil dependency. However, the project has attracted widespread criticism regarding human rights issues and sustainability.
As preparations for the 2029 Asian Winter Games at Almaty move forward, the aspirations for Neom remain under scrutiny. The shift in host cities marks a new chapter in the planning of this prominent continental event.
