The competition was initially expected to be organised in Qatar in 1999, but due to unforeseen circumstances, the Games were not held. The Games were then expected to be held in Lebanon in 2001, but were then cancelled and relocated to Kuwait. The 2nd West Asian Games were expected to be held from 20 to 30 October 2001, but due to armed conflicts in the region, they had to be postponed. Finally, the 2nd West Asian Games were held the following year in Kuwait City.[1]
The athletes from twelve nations participated ten sports. Iraq did not participate and no competitions were held for women.
