The Asian Games are the continent’s second biggest multi-sport event after the Olympics. It is held every four years and features both Olympic sports as well as unique Asian sports such as kabaddi and sepak takraw. It was first conceived in 1951 and was regulated by the Asian Games Federation until it was replaced by the Olympic Council of Asia in 1982. The Games are known for their colourful mascots and vibrant competition venues.
The 2026 Asian Games will be hosted by Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya city in Japan from 19 September to 4 October 2026. This will be the third time the Games have been held in the country, having previously been held in Tokyo in 1958 and Hiroshima in 1994. The Aichi-Nagoya Organizing Committee will be seeking to build a games that are’more than just athletics’. They will do this by leveraging the strengths of both cities, including their rich culture and hospitality, which will make the Games more meaningful for all Asian people.
The Asian Games will feature 40 sports and 15,000 athletes and team officials from 45 countries and regions. The AINAGOC has drafted a transport plan that aims to provide smooth and comfortable travel for all athletes, teams, visitors and spectators during the Games. The plan outlines the development of specific routes, coordination with transport service providers, and operational preparations for arrival/departure, opening/closing ceremonies, daily movements to competition venues, etc. The plan also includes measures to curb private car use around the competition venues, and public announcements to encourage the use of mass transportation services.