Asian Games 2026 opens in Japan with 11,000 athletes competing | LIVE updates
The 20th Asian Games have officially commenced in Japan, featuring 11,000 athletes across various sporting disciplines. India is participating with a focus on defending its titles in cricket, kabaddi, and men's hockey.
Why it matters
The Asian Games serve as a major regional sporting event that fosters international competition and national pride across the continent.
Asian Games 2026: Where to watch in India Discover when and where to watch the Asian Games 2026 in India, featuring live coverage on Sony Sports and Sony LIV.
India is defending both the men’s and women’s titles in cricket and kabaddi. The Indian men’s hockey team will also be defending their crown.
Asian Games 2026: Full India schedule and details of key events
It will be the 20th edition of the Games and the third time Japan has hosted the event, following Tokyo in 1958 and Hiroshima in 1994.
Also covering this story
5 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
The floor is rising: How India’s Asian Games medal story has changed over two decades
Japan's Nagoya makes final preparations for Asian Games opening
‘Asian Games absurd’: Athletes say they ‘can’t take it any more’ amid delays, shortages and warlord row
Japan yet to catch Asian Games fever as Nagoya welcomes athletes
India beat Japan by 8 wickets to reach Asian Games semi-finals
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in