With less than a year to go, organisers of next year’s Asian Games in co-host cities Nagoya and Aichi say public interest in the continental multi-sport event needs to be ramped up. The organising committee says it will continue to accelerate preparations so the Games can offer athletes the best possible stage for peak performance.
Despite tensions between Tokyo and Pyongyang, the organising committee says it has made an exception and will allow North Korean athletes to participate. Kyodo news agency reports that a delegation of about 260 to 270 is expected.
Cricket and mixed martial arts have been added to the list of events at Asian Games 2026. The decision was made at a board meeting of the governing body of the Games, the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), on Monday. Cricket has featured at three previous editions of the Asian Games, although its matches were not accorded international status.
The organisers are also looking at ways to make it cheaper for fans to attend the Games. They want to cut transport costs by encouraging visitors to travel by train or bus. They are aiming to reduce ticket prices by up to 30%, and will also offer discounts on travel cards, accommodation and other activities.
The organisers will continue to work hard to provide an excellent Games for all participating athletes and people of all backgrounds, with the support of the city governments of Aichi and Nagoya, local businesses, private companies, sports clubs, mass media, and volunteers.