Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games preparations

Preparations for the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games and Asian Para Games are progressing through sporting schedules, promotional activities, and the commencement of the torch relay. Initial developments included the release of competition schedules for various disciplines. In football, the Chinese men’s team was placed in Group B with the UAE, Iran, and North Korea, while the women’s team was assigned to Group G with the Philippines, Uzbekistan, and Hong Kong. Softball was set to follow a round-robin format featuring eight teams, including Japan, China, South Korea, and Chinese Taipei. Additionally, the Chinese athletics team announced a squad of 72 athletes, highlighting a period of generational transition led by veterans such as Xie Zhenye alongside record-setting athletes like Yan Ziyi. To build momentum, the Organizing Committee launched official license shops in mid-August 2026. A location at the Maruzen Marunouchi Main Store in Tokyo was scheduled to open on August 20, featuring athlete committee member Ayumi Tanimoto, while a second shop near Nagoya Station was set to open on August 19, featuring athlete committee member Takahiko Kozuka and supporters from SKE48. These shops will sell official merchandise and feature displays of the mascots, Honohon and Uzumin. On August 18, the torch-lighting ceremony officially commenced at the National Stadium in Tokyo, with sprinter Yoshihide Kiryu acting as the torchbearer. The flame-lighting process involves three locations to symbolize peace: Tokyo, Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima on August 20, and Nagoya Castle on August 22. The unification of these flames will begin a month-long relay leading to the September 19 opening. As the event enters its final stages, organizers have detailed housing solutions for approximately 15,000 competitors and officials.