The 2026 edition of the Asian Games will feature competitions in 41 sports, including esports. This will be the second time that the Games have included esports, and they will take place from September 9 to October 4 in the city of Nagoya in Japan. A total of 11 medal-contending events will be included in the programme.
The organisers of the Asian Games are set to begin two major meetings this week on the path towards a successful event next year in Aichi-Nagoya. The 1st Technical Delegates Meeting will run from Wednesday (April 30) to Friday, and the 3rd OCA Coordination Committee Meeting takes place over two days on May 1-2.
Cricket has been retained for the 2026 Asian Games, while Mixed Martial Arts will make its debut at the continental meet, the Olympic Council of Asia has confirmed. Both events were formally approved at the 41st meeting of the AINAGOC Board of Directors in Nagoya on Monday (April 28), with cricket making its fourth appearance at the Asian Games.
The organising committee has also announced plans for transport infrastructure around the city to support athlete movement to and from competition venues. This will include leveraging existing rail services, such as JR lines (Tokaido Shinkansen and Chuo Main Line), Kintetsu Railway and Meitetsu Railway, and the city’s comprehensive subway system and bus routes. Shuttle buses will also be available if necessary to ease travel demand. Measures will also be taken to curb private cars from surrounding areas to help maintain urban order during the Games.