The Asian Games were first held in 1951, not long after World War II. They were conceived as a grand event that would foster ties between nations through sports and contribute to regional peace. The Games are a major sports competition with 45 participating national Olympic committees and have grown into Asia’s largest sporting event.
The Organising Committee has outlined a contingency plan to evacuate athletes in case of tsunami, typhoons and other natural disasters. The Japanese authorities have ample experience in dealing with these situations and the OCA is confident that they will take adequate measures, senior OCA officials told The Indian Express. Athletes will be accommodated in a ‘floating village’ anchored at Garden Pier, 6.5km from Kinjo Pier, where 2,400 athletes and staff will stay in temporary container homes. Athletes and staff will have access to all the services offered at Games villages, including medical, dining halls, gymnasiums and free internet.
In addition to cricket, MMA will make its Asian Games debut in 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, with six medal events in its category under combat sports. Its inclusion is based on the request from the Olympic Council of Asia.
The OCA has also decided to exclude open water swimming from the sports programme. This decision was made to ensure the quality and integrity of the Games.