The 2026 Asian Games are to be held in September and October, with Nagoya city and the surrounding Aichi prefecture at their centre. The Games’ mascot is a smiling sun, which represents the warm and ever-onward spirit of Asian people. The logo and motto are based on the Asian Games charter, which is a set of values that embody the Asian spirit.
The Sports Ministry has introduced stringent new criteria for selection of athletes to participate at the Asian Games. Under the new policy, only those with a “real chance of winning medals” will be eligible for nomination by national federations. The ministry has also barred the inclusion of additional coaches and support staff, unless they bear their own costs.
Esports will feature at the Games after making its Asian Games debut in Hangzhou last year. The 11 esports titles that will be contested at the Games are Arena of Valor Asian Games Version, Dream Three Kingdoms 2, FIFA Online 4, League of Legends, PUBG and Street Fighter V: Champion Edition.
Cricket was retained as a medal sport after its runaway success in the pandemic-delayed Hangzhou Games. Mixed martial arts is also a confirmed event following its successful debut in Hangzhou. The OCA is keen to promote these events, which are expected to attract a younger generation of fans to the Games.
The OCA Coordination Committee has received an update on the accommodation plan for athletes and officials at Aichi-Nagoya 2026. Rather than building a dedicated Asian Games Village, organisers will lease a cruise ship docked at Kinjo Pier for use as temporary accommodation. The OCA hopes this will help minimise the impact on local infrastructure. The OCA will also explore measures to curb private cars around competition venues and to maintain traffic order.