Day: October 31, 2025

The Asian Games, the continent’s second largest multi-sport event following the Olympics, is held every four years among athletes from Asia. The 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games will be held from 19 September to 4 October 2026 in Japan’s Aichi prefecture, with the city of Nagoya as the heart of the events. It will be a very important event for all of Japan as it provides an opportunity to further deepen growing exchange with Asia.

New selection criteria to be followed

The Sports Ministry has announced stringent new selection criteria for Asian Games 2026, saying that only athletes with a “real chance” of winning medals will be considered for inclusion in the national contingent. The new policy also bars additional coaches and support staff, even if they are willing to pay their own costs. It is a marked change from the previous selection process, which was criticised as unclear and haphazard.

Esports to make its debut at Aichi-Nagoya 2026

A total of 11 esports titles will be contested at the Asian Games in 2026, including those that made their debut as medal events at Hangzhou 2023. The esports list was approved by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) during its 93rd executive board meeting in Harbin, China earlier this month. Indian esports players Pavan Kampelli and S8UL have shown promise in these events, with the latter finishing in the top four at the PUBG Asian Championships last December. The inclusion of esports is expected to boost India’s medal prospects at the Games.

Whether they are hometown heroes or global icons, athletes have a unique bond with their fans. They inspire lifelong loyalty and transform the ordinary into the extraordinary — from highlights reels to team news, and from games to social media posts. But to connect with fans on the most meaningful level, sports organizations need more than hype: They need a clear strategy that balances fan passion with the right tools and insights.

The benefits of social media for sports teams include increased visibility and reach, new revenue streams, and the ability to engage with fans directly. But there are also a number of challenges that can impact the health and wellbeing of athletes and their families.

Athletes are constantly under public scrutiny, and social media provides a platform for criticism and negativity. This can have a negative impact on an athlete’s identity, especially in young people. Athletes need access to a supportive community, and they must learn to manage their online activity and understand what parts of it are serving them.

Colleges and universities are increasingly educating student athletes on how to use social media responsibly. This includes training sessions that emphasize the importance of promoting their school and its athletic programs. But these education efforts must go further to ensure that student athletes understand how to manage their online identities responsibly and avoid negative content, trolls, or cyberbullying. They must also be able to recognize the signs of problematic social media usage and know where to find resources for help.