Cricket has been officially included in the lineup of sports for the 2026 Aichi - Nagoya Asian Games, as decided during the third meeting between the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and the Aichi - Nagoya Asian Games Organising Committee (AINAGOC) on Friday. Scheduled to be held in Japan from September 19 to October 4, 2026, the Games are set to feature a diverse range of sports, with cricket now joining the prestigious roster.
The technical meeting in Nagoya played a crucial role in finalizing the sporting program for the 20th Asian Games. With over 350 attendees, including 67 technical delegates, 12 representatives from international and Asian sports federations, 70 heads and officials from AINAGOC, and 200 managers and staff from various departments, the gathering was a significant milestone. Each participant will play a key part in overseeing the successful hosting of the Games, ensuring seamless operations across all aspects.
The return of cricket to the Asian Games marks its fourth appearance, following the 2010 Guangzhou, 2014 Incheon, and 2023 Hangzhou editions. The 2026 Aichi - Nagoya Asian Games will bring together 15,000 athletes and officials from 45 National Olympic Committees. A total of 456 events across 66 disciplines from 41 sports will be held at 53 venues, promising an exciting and competitive multi - sport extravaganza.
