Nagoya, Japan, August 3, 2026: Japan’s long love affair with volleyball began with women’s team gold at the Tokyo 1964 Olympic Games – and shows no sign of abating.
The 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya from September 19 to October 4 will be the proof of this, as the women’s and men’s team competitions will be followed closely by the masses of fans in this volleyball stronghold.
“Spikes blazing like wildfire and rallies forged through fierce team spirit,” is how organising committee AINAGOC describes volleyball in a social media post promoting ticket sales.
“Come and cheer on the dramatic match where the ball must never touch the floor.”
Volleyball features a total of two events — men's and women's.
“Powerful jump serves, the libero's determined digs, and the tense rallies born from the setter's diverse and creative toss work are the highlights of every match,” the post adds.
Competition venues are Okazaki Chuo Sogo Park Gymnasium and Park Arena Komaki in Aichi Prefecture. Set in gymnasiums surrounded by rich natural scenery, Asia's powerhouse nations clash with their pride on the line.
“Come and experience the extraordinary athleticism of the players in action on the court, and the excitement of stamina and fighting spirit colliding head-on — right there at the venue,” the post concludes.
In the men's competition, Iran are the reigning three-time champions.
In the women's, China reign supreme as Asia's undisputed queens.
Will the powerhouses defend their dominance — or will Japan and their rivals have something to say about it?
The matchups are as follows:
MEN
Pool A: Japan, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan
Pool B: Islamic Republic of Iran, Indonesia, Thailand, Kyrgyzstan
Pool C: Qatar, India, Vietnam, Hong Kong, China
Pool D: Republic of Korea, People's Republic of China, Chinese Taipei, Philippines
WOMEN
Pool A: Japan, Indonesia, Nepal
Pool B: People's Republic of China, Kazakhstan, Philippines
Pool C: Thailand, Chinese Taipei, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia
Pool D: Vietnam, Republic of Korea, Hong Kong, China, Qatar
SCHEDULE
Women's: Wednesday, September 16 — Tuesday, September 22
Men's: Sunday, September 27 — Saturday, October 3