Asian Games 2026 - Aichi-Nagoya, Japan

The 20th Asian Games are being held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from 19 September to 4 October 2026. Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya City are jointly hosting the event. The Games have brought together athletes from 45 Asian National Olympic Committees, with competitions being held across 43 sports and 71 disciplines. The official motto of the Games is “Imagine One Asia.”

Aichi-Nagoya 2026 is also important because Japan is hosting the Asian Games for the third time, after Tokyo in 1958 and Hiroshima in 1994.

What are the Asian Games?

The Asian Games, also called the Asiad, are a major multi-sport event in which countries and territories from Asia participate. They are organised under the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and are held after every four years.

The idea behind the Asian Games was to bring Asian countries together through sport and create a common platform for athletes from the continent.

Beginning of the Asian Games -

The Asian Games Federation (AGF) was formed in 1949 in New Delhi. This laid the foundation for a common Asian sporting event. Two years later, the first Asian Games were organised in New Delhi, 1951.

The organisation was later replaced by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) in 1981. The OCA is now the main continental sports organisation responsible for the Asian Games.

India has hosted the Asian Games twice, and both editions were held in New Delhi:

● 1951 - 1st Asian Games

● 1982 - 9th Asian Games

Aichi-Nagoya 2026 -

The 2026 edition has 43 sports, 71 disciplines and 469 events. The programme includes popular sports such as athletics, badminton, boxing, cricket, hockey, shooting, wrestling, kabaddi, swimming, football and cycling, along with several newer sports.

One of the biggest additions is Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), which is making its Asian Games debut in 2026. Teqball, paddle, surfing and BMX freestyle are also among the newer sports/disciplines included in this edition.

Cricket in Asian Games

Cricket is being played in the T20 format at Aichi-Nagoya. Both men’s and women’s cricket are part of the competition. Cricket’s inclusion is particularly relevant for India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka because of the sport’s huge popularity in these countries.

Mascot - Honohon.

The official mascot of Aichi-Nagoya 2026 is Honohon. Its design is connected with Shachihoko, a traditional mythical figure commonly associated with the Nagoya region. The mascot represents the local culture as well as the energy and enthusiasm of the Games.

India at Asian Games 2026 -

India is participating in a large number of events at Aichi-Nagoya. The Indian contingent includes leading names from athletics, shooting, badminton, boxing, wrestling, kabaddi and other sports. Some important Indian athletes to watch include Neeraj Chopra, Avinash Sable, Tajinderpal Singh Toor, Annu Rani, Parul Chaudhary, PV Sindhu, Lakshya Sen, Lovlina Borgohain, Antim Panghal and Aman Sehrawat.

Manu Bhaker and Pawan Sehrawat were India’s flag-bearers at the opening ceremony.

NOTE - - -

The 19th Asian Games, 2023 were held in Hangzhou, China.

The next 21st Asian Games, 2030 will be held in Doha, Qatar.