Asian Games 2026 Feature 45 Nations and 469 Medal Events

The 20th Asian Games, officially called Aichi-Nagoya 2026, are being held from 19 September 2026 to 4 October 2026 in Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya city, Japan. The multi-sport event includes athletes from 45 countries and regions, 43 sports, 469 medal events, and 54 venues.

Asian Games as a Continental Multi-Sport Event

The Asian Games are a continental multi-sport event governed by the Olympic Council of Asia. The event is held once every four years and includes athletes from Asia and other participating regions recognised by the organisers.

Host Cities and Venues

Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya city are the main hosts for the 2026 edition. The competition schedule uses 54 venues, including the Tokyo Aquatics Centre, which was used for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Sports Programme and New Disciplines

The 2026 programme includes 43 sports and 469 medal events. Six sports are making their Asian Games debut in this edition: surfing, freestyle BMX, mixed martial arts, padel, teqball, and virtual taekwondo.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Asian Games are the largest multi-sport event in Asia.
• The 20th edition is officially named Aichi-Nagoya 2026.
• Paloma Mizuho Stadium in Nagoya hosted the opening ceremony on 19 September 2026.
• Tokyo Aquatics Centre is one of the venues linked with the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

India at Aichi-Nagoya 2026

India has sent more than 500 athletes for the Games. Indian competitors are taking part in 37 sports, and 314 Indian athletes are making their Asian Games debut.

Olympic Qualification Pathway

The 2026 Asian Games serve as a qualifying event for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics in several sports. These sports include hockey, squash, archery, sailing, surfing, and tennis.