The Asian Games are the continent’s largest multi-sport event, bringing together athletes from across Asia to compete and celebrate in myriad disciplines. From the power and precision of martial arts to the speed of track and field, Japan’s capital city Nagoya will welcome competitors from around the globe to a truly spectacular celebration of athleticism, culture and unity.
The 2026 Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya will feature a total of 45 sports and events. The first edition of the Asian Games was held in 1951, soon after World War II, and were conceived as an opportunity to reestablish bonds between countries broken by war through sport, and contribute to everlasting peace in Asia.
Having won the bid to host the Games in 2026, Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya City have been working hard to create a wonderful multi-sport event. The organizing committee has already launched various promotional activities to raise public awareness and prepare for the Games.
Athletes who wish to participate in the 2026 Asian Games will have to meet stringent new selection criteria. According to a ministry document uploaded on its website, only athletes with a “real chance of winning medals” will be considered for participation in team and individual sports. Athletes must have finished in the top six in championships held within 12 months prior to the Games, or be ranked among the top eight in the latest world rankings.
The organizers plan to facilitate smooth movement for athletes, spectators and staff with the use of existing transport infrastructure and advanced information technology. In addition to a comprehensive network of trains and subways run by JR lines, Kintetsu Railway and other operators, buses will be used to aid daily movement to competition venues. Measures to curb private car usage and to manage travel demand will also be in place.