The Asian Games were first held in 1951, just after the end of World War II. Originally advocated by India’s first Prime Minister to rebuild regional unity through sports after the war, the Asian Games have grown into one of the largest international sporting events that fosters friendship among people across borders and contributes to global peace by embracing diversity. The Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games will host more than 15,000 athletes, para-athletes, and officials from 45 countries and regions over the course of nearly three weeks in 58 venues throughout the cities of Aichi and Nagoya. This is a significant opportunity to promote international exchange and showcase Japan’s culture and hospitality.
With its mascot Honohon and theme “Imagine One Asia,” the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games Organising Committee (AINAGOC) has begun to create a legacy of international exchange for the region. GL events has been selected to design, fit out, and manage 58 venues at this major sporting event, and will serve as an essential partner for AINAGOC’s venue development and operations.
GL events has worked on a number of high-profile projects around the globe, including the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia, the Rugby World Cup in Japan, and the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics. This new partnership with the Aichi-Nagoya Organizing Committee further reinforces our Group’s passion for major events and our ambition to support territories and communities that welcome them.
With the Games taking place in September and October, which are the peak typhoon season in Japan, contingency plans have been put into action to evacuate athletes and visitors if necessary. A unique solution has been found in the form of luxury cruise ships, which will be converted into ‘floating’ Athletes’ Villages to help cut costs and accommodate up to 5,000 athletes and officials.
