Who are the Preferred Hosts for the 2030 Youth Olympic Games?
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Synopsis
In a significant announcement, the IOC Executive Board has invited Asuncion, Bangkok, and Santiago for discussions to determine the host city for the 2030 Youth Olympic Games. IOC President Kirsty Coventry emphasized the need for clarity and reform in the YOG, aiming for a decision by June 2026.
Key Takeaways
- Three cities are under consideration for hosting the 2030 YOG: Asuncion, Bangkok, and Santiago.
- Targeted Dialogue will focus on selecting the host city.
- The IOC aims for a decision by June 2026.
- Kirsty Coventry emphasizes the need for a clear vision for the future of YOG.
- Soraya Aghaei Haji Agha has been nominated for IOC membership.
Geneva, Dec 11 (NationPress) The International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board (EB) revealed on Wednesday that Asuncion in Paraguay, Bangkok in Thailand, and Santiago in Chile have been invited to participate in a Targeted Dialogue for selecting the host city for the 2030 Youth Olympic Games (YOG).
These three cities are now regarded as the preferred candidates, and the IOC will initiate discussions regarding their preliminary proposals aimed at reforming the YOG.
IOC President Kirsty Coventry stated during a video conference following the EB meeting, "We need to define very clearly our vision for the Games (YOG), how we intend to produce them, and genuinely consider restructuring them to ensure they are relevant for the future."
"No decision has been finalized other than advancing these three cities into Targeted Dialogue, with the goal of selecting a host for the 2030 Youth Olympic Games in June 2026," she added.
The IOC's YOG Working Group will persist in examining the potential and significance of upcoming YOG editions to benefit young athletes and the broader sports community, in collaboration with stakeholders like the International Federations (IFs) as part of the Fit for the Future review process, as announced by the IOC.
Coventry mentioned that the EB has chosen to propose Soraya Aghaei Haji Agha, an Iranian badminton player and member of the IOC Athletes' Commission, as a candidate for IOC membership, according to reports from Xinhua.
The EB also suggested the re-election of 11 IOC Members within the age limit, extended terms for two Members, a status change for one Member, and the election of two Honorary Members during the 145th IOC Session in Milan, Italy, scheduled for January 31-February 2, 2026.
"We are thrilled to nominate Soraya Aghaei as an IOC member," said Coventry. "The Ethics Commission and the EB have proposed Ms. Patricia O'Brien to chair the IOC Ethics Commission for a four-year term, alongside two other candidates, Mr. Karl Stoss and Mr. Kim Won-Soo for the IOC Ethics Commission. We look forward to this taking place during the Session."
Point of View
This initiative by the IOC is a pivotal step towards fostering global athleticism and youth participation in sports. Engaging these cities in dialogue emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and innovation in hosting future events, ensuring that the Youth Olympic Games resonate with the aspirations of young athletes worldwide.
NationPress
12/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Targeted Dialogue for the 2030 YOG?
The Targeted Dialogue is a process where selected cities, Asuncion, Bangkok, and Santiago, are invited to discuss their proposals and plans for hosting the 2030 Youth Olympic Games with the IOC.
When is the host city for the 2030 YOG expected to be chosen?
The IOC aims to elect the host city for the 2030 Youth Olympic Games in June 2026.
Who is Kirsty Coventry?
Kirsty Coventry is the President of the International Olympic Committee, emphasizing the need for clarity and reform in the Youth Olympic Games.
Who has been nominated for IOC membership?
Soraya Aghaei Haji Agha, an Iranian badminton player and member of the IOC Athletes' Commission, has been nominated as a candidate for IOC membership.
What are the future plans for the Youth Olympic Games?
The IOC's YOG Working Group is analyzing the potential and relevance of future editions of the YOG to benefit young athletes and the sports movement.
