Hangzhou, China, October 7, 2023: With the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou due to host the closing ceremony on Sunday, October 8, the focus turned to the next host city at a reception in the Marriott Qianjian Hotel on Saturday afternoon.
The reception was hosted by the Japanese Olympic Committee together with the organising committee of the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya in 2026 (AINAGOC).
The President of the Japanese Olympic Committee, judo legend Yasuhiro Yamashita, welcomed everyone to the reception and he was joined in the official speeches by leaders of Nagoya city and Aichi prefecture.
The Acting OCA President, Raja Randhir Singh, said he was looking forward to the next Asian Games in Japan and acknowledged that, with Japan’s experience in hosting Olympic Games, Olympic Winter Games, Asian Games and Asian Winter Games would lead to a very successful 20th Asian Games.
Dignitaries then joined in the traditional act of breaking the wooden lid of a sake casket, and toasting the success of the 20th Asian Games.
Japanese gold medal-winners at the 19th Asian Games then joined the stage and spoke of their excitement to compete in Japan in three years’ time, and the audience was also treated to a fast and fiery karate display.
The 20th Asian Games will be held from September 19 to October 4, 2026, with 41 sports – 32 from the Paris Olympics plus five regional sports and two choices each by AINAGOC and OCA choices.
Swimming and diving will take place at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre and equestrian (dressage, eventing and jumping) will be held at the JRA Equestrian Park in Tokyo.
