Nagoya, Japan, May 2, 2025: The Olympic Council of Asia has confirmed that cricket and mixed martial arts (MMA) have been included in the sports programme for the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan in 2026.
The sports programme was finalised at the third meeting of the OCA Coordination Committee and Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games Organising Committee that concluded in Nagoya on Friday, May 2.
MMA will appear in the Asian Games for the first time in history. It will be a discipline under combat sports and feature six events – four for men and two for women.
Cricket was not included in the provisional sports programme for Aichi-Nagoya due to the lack of a cricket stadium in Nagoya city and Aichi prefecture. The OCA, however, was keen for cricket to retain its place in the Asian Games due to the sport’s inclusion at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games and the popularity of the game, particularly in South Asia.
Cricket will be played in the T20 format with gold medals for women and men. The venue has not been decided but will be in Aichi prefecture.
The Director General of the OCA, Husain Al Musallam, said cricket and MMA would add value to the Asian Games.
“We are very happy to have finalised the sports programme for the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 with over 500 days to go,” he said.
“The OCA would like to thank the organising committee AINAGOC for their cooperation and collaboration in confirming the sports programme.”
The 20th Asian Games will run from September 19 to October 4, 2026 and feature 41 sports, 66 disciplines and 456 events at 53 venues in Nagoya city, Aichi prefecture and other cities, including Tokyo for swimming, diving and equestrian.
The OCA Coordination Committee received an update on accommodation for the 15,000 athletes and officials from the 45 National Olympic Committees.
Having decided against building a designated Asian Games Village, organisers will lease a cruise ship docked at Kinjo Pier in the Port of Nagoya to provide accommodation for 4,600 athletes and officials.
A further 2,400 athletes and officials will be accommodated in 400 Asian Games Villas – temporary container homes – at Garden Pier, 6.5km from Kinjo Pier.