The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) is considering downsizing the Asian Games by eliminating certain team sports and non-Olympic disciplines. The move aims to address the growing logistical challenges faced by host nations.
OCA Deputy Director General Vinod Tiwari revealed that discussions are underway with various sports federations, including the Asian Football Confederation, to reduce the number of teams participating in the 2026 Asian Games. “We are also talking to handball, hockey, volleyball, and some other federations,” Tiwari said.
The Hangzhou Asian Games in 2022 saw over 15,000 athletes competing, with team competitions accounting for a significant portion. In contrast, the recent Paris Olympics hosted approximately 10,500 athletes. “In Hangzhou, we had 38 football teams, and that is a lot,” Tiwari added.
The 2026 Asian Games will be held in Nagoya and Aichi, Japan. The 44th General Assembly of the OCA will take place in New Delhi on Sunday, where veteran sports administrator Raja Randhir Singh is expected to be elected unopposed as president.
Another agenda item is the inclusion of Yoga as a demonstration sport in the 2026 edition. The OCA is exploring ways to make the Asian Games more manageable and sustainable for host cities while maintaining its status as a premier multi-sport event in Asia.
