Cricket returns to Asian Games 2026, Mixed Martial Arts included for first time; Japan will host

The Olympic Council of Asia announced on Tuesday that cricket and mixed martial arts have been included in the Asian Games to be held in 2026 in Japan. This time the Asian Games will be held in Nagoya city of Japan. This game will be held in September-October 2026.

This marks an exciting moment for cricket enthusiasts across Asia, as the 20th edition of the Asian Games will be held from September 19 to October 4, 2026. Cricket's inclusion in the Asian Games is seen as a step forward in the sport's growing popularity across the continent.

According to the press release issued on the official website of the Olympic Council of Asia, the decision to officially include cricket and MMA in the list of sports was taken in the 41st meeting of the Board of Directors of AINAGOC. This meeting was held on 28 April at Nagoya City Hall, Japan.

The press release said that cricket will be organized in Aichi Province. However, its venue has not been decided yet. Due to the increasing popularity of cricket in South Asia and the inclusion of cricket in the Olympics 2028, more people's interest has increased in it. 

It is worth noting that cricket has been included only once so far in the 1900 Paris Olympics. In this Great Britain won the gold medal by defeating France by 158 runs. Cricket has been included in the Olympics again after 128 years.

Cricket has previously been included in the 2010, 2014 and 2022 Asian Games. In 2022, India won gold medals in both men's and women's competitions. The men's team included many stars like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rinku Singh, Tilak Verma and Yashasvi Jaiswal, while the women's team won the gold medal by defeating Sri Lanka. Bangladesh received the bronze medal.

MMA included in Asian Games for the first time

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) has got a place in the Asian Games for the first time, which is being considered a major achievement for the recognition and increasing popularity of this sport. MMA is becoming increasingly popular in India. Especially with Indian fighters like Anshul Jubilee and Pooja Tomar reaching the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship), many young fighters in the country have got opportunities.