The heart of Japan pulsates with the energy of athletes from around the continent as it prepares to host the Asian Games 2026. From the precision of martial arts to the speed of track and field, the Asiad will be an exhilarating celebration of athleticism and culture.
The sports ministry has announced stringent new criteria for selection to the 2026 Asian Games, saying only athletes with a “real chance of winning medals” will be considered. Athletes who have a top-four finish in championships recognised by the international sport federation for their sport in the last 12 months will be eligible to compete, the ministry said. It also bars the inclusion of additional sportspersons, coaches and support staff – even if they are willing to pay their own expenses – for the Games.
Esports made its Asian Games debut as a medal sport at Hangzhou 2023, and will be held in 11 esports events at Aichi-Nagoya. India has a strong presence in the genre, with Pavan Kampelli winning bronze in eFootball and S8UL ranked in the top ten of League of Legends, DOTA 2 and Dream Three Kingdoms.
The Aichi-Nagoya Organising Committee is finalising a transport plan to ensure safe, efficient movement of people around the Games. Shuttle buses will be available between competition venues and the nearest public transport stations to ease spectator movements and help minimise traffic congestion. The Games will make full use of the city’s vast transport network, including JR lines (Tokaido Shinkansen, Tokaido Main Line, Chuo Main Line and others), private rail operators such as Kintetsu Railway and Meitetsu, and extensive bus services operated by Nagoya Municipal Subway, Aichi Bus Company and many other companies.