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3w ago

MMA to Debut and Cricket to Continue at 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya

The Olympic Council of Asia confirms MMA's inclusion with six events and cricket's retention, as India faces challenges in resolving MMA governance disputes to secure athlete participation.

Asian Games - Hangzhou 2022 - Karate - Linping Sports Centre Gymnasium KTE, Hangzhou, China - October 8, 2023 Chinese Taipei's Gu Shiau Shuang in action with Kazakhstan's Moldir Zhangbyrbay during the Women's Kumite - 50kg Gold Medal Contest REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon/File Photo
MMA to make its Asian Games debut in 2026 in Japan, cricket retains place
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) will make its debut at the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan said the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA). (Reuters)

Overview

  • The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has officially added Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) to the 2026 Asian Games, marking its debut with six events under the combat sports category.
  • Cricket will remain part of the Asian Games program after its reintroduction in 2022, with matches to be held in Aichi Prefecture, though a dedicated venue is yet to be finalized.
  • The 2026 Asian Games will take place in Nagoya and Aichi Prefecture from September 19 to October 4, with approximately 15,000 athletes expected to compete.
  • India's participation in MMA events is uncertain due to ongoing disputes among multiple federations vying for official recognition from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).
  • The IOA is working to evaluate and recognize a national MMA federation by the end of 2025 to ensure Indian fighters can compete in the 2026 Games.