OCA Announces Esports as an Official Medal Sport of the Aichi/Nagoya Asian Games 2026

The Olympic Council of Asia has officially confirmed that esports will be included as a medal sport at the 20th Asian Games, scheduled to take place in Aichi and Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4, 2026. This decision marks a continued commitment to integrating competitive gaming into the regional multi-sport event following its inclusion in the 19th Hangzhou Asian Games.

The Aichi/Nagoya Asian Games will feature a total of 41 sports disciplines. This program includes 32 sports recognized by the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, alongside various other regional and specialized competitions such as Wushu, Sepak Takraw, Kabaddi, Kurash, Jujitsu, baseball, Karate, squash, and esports.

While the specific titles to be contested in 2026 have not yet been finalized, expectations suggest a focus on games with significant popularity in Japan or those developed by Japanese publishers. The Street Fighter series, developed by Capcom, is highlighted as a likely candidate for inclusion, given its prominence in the broader esports landscape and its status as a featured title in previous Asian Games. The event serves as a significant milestone for the professionalization and international recognition of esports within the Olympic movement.