ASIAN GAMES 2026 | Greater emphasis on cultural sensitivity as Indian athletes arrive in Japan
Indian athletes arriving in Nagoya for the 2026 Asian Games are receiving intensive briefings on Japanese cultural etiquette, including waste management and social conduct. The delegation is also preparing for logistical challenges, such as decentralized venues and extreme weather conditions.
Why it matters
Cultural sensitivity and logistical preparedness are critical for international sporting delegations to maintain diplomatic decorum and athlete performance in host nations.
Don’t litter. Carry your trash until you find a bin. Cover visible tattoos. Queue properly. Use earphones, avoid loud music in public, and do not hug or touch strangers.
As India’s athletes arrive in Nagoya for the Asian Games, they have been briefed on Japanese etiquette. “You are not just travelling to Japan as an athlete; you are representing India. Respect the rules, respect the people, respect the culture,” says a Sports Authority of India video shared with participants.
Deputy Chef de Mission and table tennis great Achanta Sharath Kamal says greater emphasis has been placed on cultural sensitivity this time.
“Japan is very, very strict in terms of how you behave, how you dress and how you manage your waste. There are very few dustbins, but you can’t litter anywhere. You need to carry the trash back to where the dustbin is,” Sharath told Sportstar.
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