Squash and the Asian Games 2026: Central Stage in the Middle of the Action

Squash enthusiasts, mark your calendars! From 19 September to 4 October 2026, Aichi-Nagoya in Japan will host the Asian Games—Asia’s biggest multi-sport event. With 14,000 athletes and officials from 45 National Olympic Committees, and competitions in 41 sports, the Games promise two weeks of top-class international sport and celebration.

With this number of athletes, the Asian Games are the largest multi-sport event in the Olympic Movement—bigger even than the Olympic Games, the Commonwealth Games, or the Pan American Games in terms of athlete participation.

Squash, which has been part of the Asian Games since 1998 in Bangkok, remains a key discipline. Of the 41 sports, 32 are part of the Paris 2024 Olympic programme, five represent traditional sports from Asia’s regions, two have been selected by the Organising Committee, and two—among them squash—were proposed by the Olympic Council of Asia.

55: Squash – Right in the Heart of the Action

Venue Map of the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya Japan

Squash will take centre stage at the upcoming Games, hosted at the impressive Nagoya Kinjo Pier Arena—a modern, existing facility with a seating capacity of 2,600. With the sport continually evolving and new formats like mixed doubles gaining traction, fans can look forward to exciting matches and rising talents. As the Games draw nearer, more details about the competition schedule and participating athletes will be announced.

The squash competition at the 2026 Asian Games will take place at Venue 55 (venue map), located in the vibrant port area of Nagoya. Just minutes from the Athletes’ Floating Village and the Chubu Centrair International Airport, this central location ensures high visibility, easy access, and a dynamic atmosphere—perfect for showcasing world-class squash at Asia’s biggest multi-sport event.

In a unique departure from tradition, the 2026 Asian Games will not feature a conventional Athletes' Village. Instead, approximately 4,600 athletes and officials, including those from squash and 19 other sports, will be accommodated on a luxury cruise liner docked at Nagoya's Kinjo Pier. This floating village offers ocean-view balconies, providing a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the athletes. The cruise ship's proximity to the Kinjo Pier Arena ensures minimal commute times, allowing squash players to focus on their performance.

A Legacy of Squash Excellence at the Asian Games 2026

Victory ceremony of the squash team event at the 19th Asian Games in China.

Since squash debuted at the Asian Games, it has become a cornerstone for showcasing exceptional talent and fierce competition. With Malaysia historically dominating—thanks to legends like Nicol David (7 gold medals) —the sport has grown significantly in popularity across the continent. From an initial 12 participating squash nations in 1998, the number rose to 16 by 2022, highlighting squash's expanding reach and competitive diversity.

Growing Popularity and Future Prospects

Countries like China, India, and Korea have witnessed significant developments and interest in squash. As host nation, Japan could leverage home advantage, potentially shaking up traditional medal predictions.

Stay informed and excited about the upcoming squash events and the broader sporting celebrations of the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games!

👉 For the latest updates and more details, visit the official website: Aichi-Nagoya 2026