Thursday, 21 September 2017:

Australia's soccer and basketball teams will have another crown to play for after being allowed to compete at the 2022 Asian Games in China.

The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has granted Oceania nations the ability to compete at the Asian Games for the first time in sports which will qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics through Asia.

The Socceroos and Boomers, both Asian champions, Opals, Matildas and Volleyroos will be strong chances of medals.

The OCA's move contradicts a statement by president Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah this week suggesting Oceania nations would not be allowed to compete at future games.

But it appears the influential administrator may have been referring to the 2018 event.

Australian Olympic Committee president John Coates, also on the board of Oceania National Olympic Committees, welcomed the decision.

Coates has long pushed for Australian athletes to participate in the Asian Games to expose them to a high standard of competition, with the event possibly forming a part of preparations for the Olympics.

"Volleyball, football, basketball and equestrian are among the sports for which Olympic qualification for Australia is likely to be through Asia," he said in a statement.

"It is however unlikely that equestrian would take up this opportunity because quarantine rules generally require the horses to be quarantined for up to six months on return from China."

AAP