The Asian Games is an international sports competition that takes place every four years for athletes from Asia. The next edition will be held in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, from September 19 – 04 October 2026. The event will feature 41 sports, including five squash events.
The first Asian Games were held in 1951 shortly after the end of World War II, as a way to reestablish bonds among Asian countries through sports and contribute to regional peace and prosperity by recognizing diversity. The Games have since grown into a big event that brings together athletes from 45 nations and regions in Asia.
A reshuffling of the sport offerings at Asian Games 2026 shows a strategic move to streamline production costs and maximize viewer engagement, while aligning with the stringent broadcasting protocols of high-stakes international sporting events. The exclusion of Dota 2 is particularly significant, as it marks a clear departure from the long-held position of the Games organizers that the games should be inclusive of all genres of esports.
The AINAGOC Board of Directors decided to lease a cruise ship docked at Kinjo Pier in the Port of Nagoya to accommodate 4,600 athletes and officials—roughly one-third of the total 15,000 participants—as opposed to building a dedicated Asian Games Village. Another 2,400 athletes and officials will stay at Garden Pier 6.5km from Kinjo Pier in temporary ‘Asian Games Villas’—temporary container homes.