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Cricket Survives Asian Games Cut; Return Secured For Aichi-Nagoya 2026

Soumyajit Dutta

Asian Games 2026 will feature Cricket as a Sport [Source: @trend_now_cric78/X]Asian Games 2026 will feature Cricket as a Sport [Source: @trend_now_cric78/X]

Mixed martial arts (MMA) will make its Asian Games debut at the 2026 edition in Nagoya, Japan, as organisers continue to modernise the event’s roster. Cricket, controversially reintroduced at the 2023 Hangzhou Games, has also been retained. 

This is signalling efforts to balance tradition with evolving global sports trends. The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) confirmed MMA’s inclusion under the contact sports category, alongside ju-jitsu and kurash, with six medal events planned.

Cricket Stays in Asian Games Despite Past Criticism

Cricket’s retention follows its polarising return in Hangzhou, where lopsided matches and a rain-marred final sparked criticism. India’s participation bolstered its case, while the T20 format’s upcoming Olympic inclusion in 2028 adds strategic relevance. The OCA stated, 

"The venue for cricket will be in Aichi prefecture but the exact location has not been decided." 

It highlighted anticipation for the format, noting, 

"Interest will be high, not only because of cricket's popularity in South Asia but also because the T20 format will be included in the Los Angeles Olympic Games in 2028."

Hangzhou’s cricket event drew scrutiny after India secured gold over Afghanistan via rankings when the final was washed out, reigniting debates over fair play. 

Nagoya, hosting its first Asian Games, follows Tokyo (1958) and Hiroshima (1994) as Japan’s third host city. Over 12,000 athletes competed in Hangzhou, where China dominated the medals table for an 11th consecutive edition.