Context
- The 20th Asian Games are being held in Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya City, Japan, from 19 September to 4 October 2026.
- Asia’s largest multi-sport event features 43 sports, 71 disciplines and 469 events, with more than 11,000 athletes participating.
- India is participating with a 492-member athlete contingent, following its record 107-medal performance at the Hangzhou Asian Games.
About the Asian Games
- The Asian Games, also known as the Asiad, are the largest continental multi-sport competition in Asia.
- Governing body: They are organised under the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).
- Frequency: The Games are generally held once every four years.
- First edition: The inaugural Asian Games were held in New Delhi in 1951, with 11 participating countries.
- The sports programme includes Olympic sports as well as sports with a strong Asian presence, such as Kabaddi and Sepak Takraw.
Aichi-Nagoya 2026: Key Facts
- Edition: 20th Asian Games
- Host: Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya City, Japan
- Dates: 19 September–4 October 2026
- Official slogan: Imagine One Asia
- Official mascot: HONOHON
- Sports: 43
- Disciplines: 71
- Participating NOCs: 45
- Opening & Closing Ceremony venue: Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium
An OCA Refugee Team is also participating, in addition to athletes representing the 45 National Olympic Committees.
What is New in 2026?
- Padel and Teqball are new additions to the Aichi-Nagoya programme, taking the total number of sports to 43.
- Padel: A racket sport usually played in doubles on an enclosed court.
- Teqball: A football-based sport played on a curved table, using football skills rather than hands.
Mascot: HONOHON
- HONOHON symbolises the fiery passion of athletes and incorporates the Shachihoko, a traditional mythical creature associated with Aichi-Nagoya.
- Its name comes from “Honoho”, linked to the Japanese word for flame.
India and the Asian Games
- 1951 – New Delhi: India hosted the inaugural Asian Games.
- 1982 – New Delhi: India hosted the 9th Asian Games.
- India has therefore hosted the Asian Games twice, both times in New Delhi.
- At Hangzhou, India achieved its best-ever Asian Games performance with 107 medals.
Japan and the Asian Games
Aichi-Nagoya 2026 marks the third time Japan has hosted the Asian Games:
- 1958 – Tokyo
- 1994 – Hiroshima
- 2026 – Aichi-Nagoya
Thus, Tokyo 1958 was Japan’s first Asian Games, not the first Asian Games overall.
FAQs
Q1. Which organisation governs the Asian Games?
The Asian Games are governed by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).
Q2. Where were the first Asian Games held?
The inaugural Asian Games were held in New Delhi in 1951.
Q3. Which sports are new additions to Aichi-Nagoya 2026?
Padel and Teqball are the two new additions.
Q4. What is the mascot of the 20th Asian Games?
The official mascot is HONOHON.
Q5. How many times has India hosted the Asian Games?
India has hosted them twice—New Delhi in 1951 and 1982.
