New Delhi: The 2026 Asian Games will be held in Aichi (Nagoya), Japan, from September 19 to October 4, bringing together roughly 15,000 athletes and officials for the continent’s biggest sporting spectacle. While India’s 15-year-old cricketing sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi has already captured the world’s attention with his batting, an even younger star is set to compete — Chinese swimmer Yu Zidi, who is only 13 years old (she turns 14 in October).
Despite her age, Yu Zidi has already made a name for herself in the pool. Last year, she set an Asian record in the women’s 200m individual medley, and she’ll now be part of a formidable Chinese contingent heading into Nagoya. China dominated the medal table at the last Asian Games in Hangzhou in 2023, winning a record 201 gold medals — nearly four times as many as second-placed Japan’s 51. China is expected to top the standings again this time around.
Vaibhav Also in the Spotlight
India’s rising cricket star Vaibhav Suryavanshi will be one of the tournament’s biggest draws in his own right. The 15-year-old recently made his international debut and became the youngest cricketer to represent India in T20 Internationals.
India’s men’s cricket team will go into the Games as strong gold medal favourites, having won the title last time out and looking to defend it. A potential India-Pakistan final would only add to the excitement. Cricket matches will be played at Japan’s newly built cricket ground.
Philippines’ Tennis Star Alexandra Eala Also One to Watch
Another young name to look out for is Philippine tennis star Alexandra Eala. At 21, she’s a little older than Yu Zidi and Suryavanshi, but she’s already made a big impression on the international tennis circuit. Earlier this month, Eala became the first Filipino player to win a WTA title after clinching the Washington Open — a breakthrough that has sparked huge interest in tennis back home, with more young players now taking up the sport.
Unique Accommodation for 15,000 Athletes
According to AFP, organisers have taken an unconventional approach to housing the massive contingent of athletes to keep costs down, relying on temporary accommodation alongside traditional hotels. Around 4,000 to 5,000 athletes will stay aboard the Italian cruise ship Costa Serena, which comes equipped with 571 cabins, seven swimming pools, eight restaurants, and nine bars.
Organisers are hopeful that Japan’s typhoon season, which typically runs through September and October, won’t disrupt the cruise ship housing plan.
2,000 Athletes to Stay in Container-Style Homes
Roughly 2,000 athletes and officials will be housed in temporary wooden structures resembling shipping containers, built in Nagoya’s Garden Pier area. The remaining participants will stay in hotels. Since some events — including swimming, diving, and equestrian sports — will be held in Tokyo, hotel arrangements have also been made there for athletes competing in those disciplines.
Kazuhiro Yagi, deputy secretary-general of the organising committee, said the accommodations are meant to be more than just a place to rest — they’re also designed as a space for athletes to bond with one another. He added that preparations are now in their final stages, with the goal of ensuring athletes can stay comfortable and perform at their best.
New Sports Making Their Debut
Alongside the traditional lineup of athletics, swimming, and football, this year’s Asian Games will feature sports like kabaddi, sepak takraw, and wushu. The 20th edition of the Games will also introduce new events, including mixed martial arts, padel, teqball, and virtual taekwondo.
E-sports will also make a return after a successful debut at the Hangzhou Games. Organisers in Nagoya are hopeful that e-sports can help draw even older generations toward gaming as a way to stay mentally active.
Japan’s First Asian Games Since 1994
This marks the first time Japan has hosted the Asian Games since 1994, and there’s understandably a lot of excitement building around the Nagoya edition. Organisers say anticipation is growing steadily as the opening ceremony draws closer. While India will have its eyes on cricket gold, the world will also be watching young talents like Vaibhav Suryavanshi and an athlete even younger than him — China’s Yu Zidi.
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