RIYADH — The Saudi Olympic & Paralympic Committee (SOPC) has officially submitted a letter of interest to the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) with regard to hosting the 10th Asian Winter Games (AWG) slated for 2029 in TROJENA, NEOM’s global destination for mountain tourism.

The letter included a brief introduction about the Kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030 which will support TROJENA to host one of the most significant sporting events in Asia. Once the bid is validated, more than 32 Asian countries are expected to participate in the event, to be held for the first time ever in West Asia.

SOPC President Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal said: "The generous, unprecedented, and visionary support by our wise leadership has attracted the most exciting sporting events to the heart of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia." He further said: "The request to host the AWG affirms the geographical, environmental diversity and natural wealth that the Kingdom enjoys and is willing to share with our wider Asian Olympic family. We are very excited to welcome all Winter Sports enthusiasts in 2029, aiming to celebrate an incomparable experience in TROJENA."

The Asian Winter Games is an international multi-sport event held every four years for members of the Olympic Council of Asia, which features winter events. The 8th AWG was held in Sapporo, Japan in 2017, while the 9th edition is scheduled to be held in Gangwon in South Korea in 2025.

TROJENA is part of NEOM’s strategy to contribute to supporting and developing the tourism sector in the region. Currently taking shape in the mountains of northwest Saudi Arabia, TROJENA will feature unique and innovative architecture in a place where the captivating landscapes will coexist in harmony with the tourist sites. It will offer an experience unlike anything else in the world, including the GCC region’s first outdoor skiing.

The Executive Office of the Olympic Council of Asia, meanwhile, will meet in Cambodia in October before convening the General Assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia, which is considered the supreme body for approving decisions to grant hosting rights for the AWG. — SG