The Asian Games is the largest multi-sport event in Asia, and 2026 brings its 20th edition to Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya, Japan. Here's a simple beginner's guide to understanding it.

What Is the Asian Games?

Olympic Council of Asia (OCA)The Asian Games is a continental multi-sport event held every four years, organised by the and open to athletes from across Asia. It functions much like a continental version of the Olympics, but with its own additional sports reflecting regional popularity.

How It Compares to the Olympics

While it follows a similar four-year, multi-sport format, the Asian Games often include sports not on the Olympic programme — such as certain traditional Asian sports and, in recent editions, esports — and it's contested only among Asian nations rather than globally.

Key Facts About Aichi-Nagoya 2026

Host and Dates

Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya, Japan will host the Games, officially running 19 September to 4 October 2026, with the main venue being Paloma Mizuho Stadium (formerly Mizuho Athletic Stadium).

Scale

Around 46 nations are expected to send athletes competing across roughly 43 sports and hundreds of gold medal events.

Related Event

The Asian Para Games follows shortly after, from 18-24 October 2026, in the same host region — a tradition that has continued since 2010.

How to Start Following It

Pick a sport or country you're already interested in, check the official Aichi-Nagoya 2026 organising committee schedule for event dates, and look for official streaming or broadcast options in your region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who organises the Asian Games?

A: The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) organises the Asian Games, held every four years for athletes across Asia.

Q: Is the Asian Games the same as the Olympics?

A: No — it's a separate continental event exclusively for Asian nations, though structured similarly, and it can include sports not on the Olympic programme.

Q: Where and when is the 2026 Asian Games being held?

A: In Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya, Japan, officially from 19 September to 4 October 2026.

Conclusion

The Asian Games offers a distinctly regional showcase of sport, blending Olympic-style competition with sports unique to the continent. With Aichi-Nagoya 2026 bringing a record-scale programme to Japan, it's an excellent moment for newcomers to start following the event.

Beginner's Guide to Asian Games

Beginner's Guide to Asian Games