*This content was translated by AI.
Saudi Arabia's ambitious plan to build a ski resort on the desert eventually came to nothing. On behalf of Saudi Arabia, which returned the right to host the 2029 Winter Asian Games, the Asian Olympic Council (OCA) has sought the possibility of alternative hosting in Gangwon-do, South Korea, drawing keen attention from the sports community.
Reuters and other foreign media reported on the 25th (Korea Standard Time) that "OCA and Saudi Arabia have agreed to postpone or give up hosting the 2029 Winter Asian Games indefinitely." According to the reports, Saudi Arabia has vowed to build a large-scale artificial snow ski resort in Trozena, a mountain-an tourism complex in the smart city of Neom City, but it was eventually canceled.
Due to the recent low oil price trend, the budget reduction and process delay of the "Neom City Project" overlap, making the final decision that it is impossible to complete an international-standard stadium by 2029. The OCA said in a statement that it was "discussing how to adjust the hosting period to after 2033 for the development of sustainable sports," but returned the right to host the 2029 tournament.
As the competition is about three years away, OCA is in a situation where it is necessary to quickly find an alternative venue. Reuters said, "OCA has already completed unofficial contact with the South Korean side." It is also because Gangwon-do's infrastructure is evaluated to be ready to host the international competition as he has experience in hosting the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics.
An official from the 'Neom City Project' said, "Currently, the organizing committee of the Games is currently working closely with the OCA and the Saudi Olympic Committee. In the future, if you have any questions about the Winter Asian Games, please only contact OCA."
<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>
*This content was translated by AI.
