The Asian Games, held every four years, is Asia’s biggest multi-sport event with 45 countries and regions participating. The Games are a platform for international exchange and cultural connection that celebrates diversity across the continent. They were first held in 1951, soon after World War II. The founders hoped to reestablish the bonds between Asian countries through sports and contribute to the development of peace in Asia.
In 2026, the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games will be Japan’s third hosting of the event, following Tokyo 1958 and Hiroshima 1994. The theme for the Games is “Imagine One Asia”. The slogan and concept are based on the idea that we can create a unified and harmonious Asia through sport, with an emphasis on Asian values such as perseverance and teamwork.
A total of 41 sports and 58 disciplines and 400 events will be played at 55 competition venues. The organisers plan to use 70 accommodation facilities, with 14 in Nagoya city and 39 in Aichi prefecture, with the number of venues outside the host area depending on the location of sports competition venues.
Esports are also a feature of this year’s Asian Games, with seven titles available to participate in, including Arena of Valor Asian Games Version, DOTA 2, Dream Three Kingdoms, FIFA Online 4, League of Legends, PUBG and Street Fighter V: Champion Edition. India, which won a bronze in eFootball at Hangzhou 2023 and a silver in eFighting at the 2018 World Championships, is expected to be a strong contender.