The Olympic Council of Asia has formally approved the inclusion of cricket and mixed martial arts for the Asian Games 2026. 

The Asian Games 2026 are scheduled to be held in Japan’s Aichi and Nagoya Prefectures from 19 September to 4 October.

The games will feature 41 sports and 15,000 athletes and officials from 45 National Olympic Committees. 

During a meeting between the Olympic Council and the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games organising committee, cricket and mixed martial arts were formally approved, a release from the council confirmed. MMA will make its Asian Games debut with six events under Combat Sports alongside kurash and jujitsu.

Cricket’s venue will be located in Aichi prefecture, with the T20 format generating particular interest due to its upcoming inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. 

(Agencies)