The Asian Games is the biggest continental multi-sport event among athletes from Asia. It is held every four years, with 45 participating countries and regions. The Asian Games was first held in 1951, shortly after World War II, to reestablish bonds through sports between Asian nations and contribute to world peace.
The 2026 Games will be hosted by the Aichi prefecture and the city of Nagoya in Japan. It will be the third time Japan hosts the Games after holding them in Tokyo in 1958 and 1994. It will feature 40 events and 15,000 athletes and team officials. The slogan for the Asian Games 2026 is “Imagine One Asia” and it aims to bring people together through sport by highlighting the shared values of the people from Japan, China and many other Asian nations.
Esports at the Asian Games 2026
The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has confirmed that the upcoming Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya will feature 11 medal-contending esports titles. This strategic selection of titles aligns with broader trends in the regional game development ecosystem, while also reflecting an effort to streamline production and adhere to the stringent broadcasting protocols required for high-stakes international sporting events.
The organisers of the Asian Games have decided not to construct a separate Athletes’ Village for the upcoming edition, but rather will use a cruise ship docked at Nagoya Port as a venue for one-third of its athletes’ accommodation. This is a cost-saving measure that will help cut expenses for the Games, which are scheduled to be held from September 19 to October 4 next year.