The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has decided to limit the number of sports in the Asian Games at 35 as of the 2014 edition, OCA director general Husain Al Musallam said in Doha yesterday.

"We have Indoor Games and Beach Games. Some of the sports at the Asian Games will move to either one," Al Musallam told Xinhua.

"The size of the Asian Games will be reduced to something with 28 Olympic sports plus other sports under negotiation with the organizers...anything between 35 and under," he added.

The Asian Games, which was launched in 1951 and held every four years, has grown into the second largest multi-sport event after the summer Olympic Games. More than 10,000 athletes from 45 countries and regions were competing across the 39 sports at the Doha Asiad.

Al Musallam said bodybuilding is likely to be the first sport kicked out of the Asian Games.

"Bodybuilding for sure out for Guangzhou (host of 2010 Asian Games). The decision is not yet be taken, but that's what I feel that everybody supports bodybuilding moves to the Beach Games," he said.

"It will be decided next April."

Indonesia's Bali will host the first Asian Beach Games in 2008.

Al Musallam also said the limit of 35 sports will not be applied to the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou because the OCA needs to see the success of the Beach Games.

"We cannot decide for something without trial," he said.