2005 West Asian Games

The 3rd West Asian Games were to be held from 7 to 17 April 2003 in Damascus, Syria. However, they were postponed and then cancelled. On 4 April 2002 the West Asian Games Federation decided that the Games would be held every four years, instead of two, namely one year before the Asian Games.

The Third West Asian Games was held from the 1 to 10 December 2005 in Doha, Qatar as test event for the 2006 Asian Games and involved over 1,200 athletes from 13 nations participating in 11 sports. Women participated in the West Asian Games for the first time.

Venues

 * Qatar SC - Opening and closing ceremonies, Football, Basketball
 * Hamad Aquatic Centre - Aquatics (Swimming and Diving)
 * Khalifa International Stadium - Athletics
 * Qatar Bowling Centre - Bowling
 * Al-Arabi Sports Club - Gymnastics and Fencing
 * Al-Gharrafa Sports Club - Football, Handball
 * Al-Rayyan Sports Club - Football, Volleyball
 * Al-Duhail Shooting Range - Shooting
 * Al-Sadd Sports Club - Weightlifting

Sports

 * Aquatics

Changes in medal standings
Four players who took part in the third West Asian Games have tested positive for taking steroids.