Asian Games 2026: the dates that actually matter
The 20th Asian Games take place in Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya, Japan, from 19 September to 4 October 2026.
That is the official window, and it is slightly misleading. Competition in several sports begins nine days before the Opening Ceremony, on 10 September. If you are planning around the ceremony, you will already have missed live action.
Opening Ceremony
The Opening Ceremony is scheduled for 18:00 Japan time on 19 September 2026 at Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium. Japan is three and a half hours ahead of India, so that is 14:30 IST -- an afternoon start for Indian viewers rather than the awkward early-morning slots the Olympics usually bring.
How to watch the Asian Games 2026 in India
The Games are broadcast in India on the Sony Sports Network channels, with streaming on SonyLIV.
India's key events, sport by sport
Cricket: 17 September to 3 October
Cricket returns as a medal sport, played at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin from 17 September to 3 October 2026. Both men's and women's tournaments are Twenty20 Internationals.
India are defending champions in both. Shreyas Iyer leads the men's title defence and Harmanpreet Kaur captains the women's side.
This is the storyline most likely to dominate Indian coverage. A T20 gold medal defence, with full national sides, in a compact two-week window.
Kabaddi: 21 to 26 September
Kabaddi runs from 21 to 26 September at the Tokai Citizens Gymnasium in Tokai, Aichi Prefecture. India are defending champions in both the men's and women's events.
Six days, both draws -- one of the tightest and most watchable schedules of the entire Games for an Indian audience.
Also confirmed for India
Beyond cricket and kabaddi, India's confirmed programme includes:
- Men's and women's hockey teams
- Men's volleyball team
- Women's rugby sevens team
- Four sepaktakraw entries
- Selected recurve and compound archers
Squads for boxing, wrestling, badminton and athletics are still being announced, so the full contingent is not yet final.
What is on the Asian Games 2026 programme?
Aichi-Nagoya features 43 sports -- a mix of Olympic disciplines, traditional Asian sports and newer additions. Alongside athletics, swimming, badminton and boxing, the programme includes:
- Kabaddi, wushu, kurash and sepaktakraw
- Cricket, squash and soft tennis
- Esports, breaking, skateboarding, surfing and sport climbing
- Mixed martial arts and ju-jitsu
Esports being a full medal sport is worth flagging. It is now a genuine medal opportunity rather than the demonstration event it once was.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do the Asian Games 2026 start?
The Opening Ceremony is on 19 September 2026, but competition in some sports begins on 10 September. The Games close on 4 October.
Where are the 2026 Asian Games being held?
Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya, Japan. This is the 20th edition of the Games.
Is cricket in the Asian Games 2026?
Yes. Men's and women's T20 International tournaments run from 17 September to 3 October at Korogi Sports Park, Nisshin. India are the defending champions in both.
Where can I watch the Asian Games 2026 in India?
On the Sony Sports Network channels, and streaming on SonyLIV.
What time is the Opening Ceremony in India?
14:30 IST on 19 September 2026 (18:00 local Japan time).
How many sports are at the Asian Games 2026?
43, spanning Olympic events, traditional Asian sports such as kabaddi and sepaktakraw, and newer additions including esports and breaking.