Asian Games 2026, Aichi-Nagoya, India’s Campaign, Medal Tally

Asian Games 2026, officially known as the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026, are being held in Japan from 19 September to 4 October 2026. Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya are hosting the continental multi-sport event, which brings together athletes from across Asia.

The Games feature 43 sports, 71 disciplines and 469 medal events. The official programme also includes newer sports such as teqball, padel, sport climbing, skateboarding, surfing, esports and mixed martial arts (MMA).

Asian Games 2026 Overview

The key highlights related to the Asian Games 2026 have been tabulated below.

New and Emerging Sports at Asian Games 2026

Asian Games 2026 feature several new and emerging sports, reflecting the changing interests of athletes and younger audiences. These sports add more variety to the Games and give athletes from newer sporting disciplines an international platform.

• Teqball: A football-based sport played on a curved table, making its Asian Games debut in 2026.
• Mixed Martial Arts (MMA): Included in the Games for the first time, with competitions across different weight categories.
• Padel: A racket sport combining elements of tennis and squash, included in men’s and women’s competitions.
• Surfing: Features shortboard events for men and women.
• Skateboarding: Includes different disciplines that test balance, speed and technical skills.
• Sport Climbing: Includes speed, bouldering and lead events.
• Esports: Continues to provide a competitive platform for digital sports and gaming.

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India at Asian Games 2026

India is participating in the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya with 503 athletes across 36 disciplines. The contingent includes 269 men and 234 women, supported by coaches, officials and other staff. India enters the Games after winning a record 107 medals at Hangzhou 2023, including 28 gold, 38 silver and 41 bronze medals.

Medal Tally at Asian Games 2026

As of 21 September 2026, China leads the Asian Games 2026 medal table with 22 medals, while India is ranked 10th with 6 medals, including 4 silver and 2 bronze.

About Asian Games

Asian Games, also known as the Asiad, are a major multi-sport event held every four years for athletes from across Asia. The Games have evolved significantly since their beginning in 1951.

• Early Origins: The idea of an Asian multi-sport event was influenced by the Far Eastern Championship Games (1913) and the West Asian Games (1934).
• 1948 Initiative: During the 1948 London Olympics, Asian representatives discussed creating a larger sporting event for Asian countries. Indian IOC representative Guru Dutt Sondhi played an important role in promoting the idea.
• Asian Games Federation: The Asian Games Federation (AGF) was established in 1949 in New Delhi to organise and govern the new continental sporting event.
• First Asian Games: The first Asian Games were held in New Delhi in March 1951, with 489 athletes from 11 countries competing in 6 sports and 57 events.
• Expansion: The Games gradually expanded to more countries and sports, with editions held in Manila (1954), Tokyo (1958), Jakarta (1962), Bangkok (1966 and 1970) and other Asian cities.
• Formation of OCA: In 1981, the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) was created to replace the Asian Games Federation. It later became the main governing body for the Asian Games.
• Modern Asian Games: The Games continued to grow, with recent editions held in Guangzhou (2010), Incheon (2014), Jakarta-Palembang (2018) and Hangzhou (2023).