Nagoya, September 19, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry has called for stronger links between the Asian Games and the Olympic movement, saying the continental event could play a greater role in the Olympic qualification pathway while retaining the autonomy to determine its own sports programme.
Speaking on the opening day of the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Coventry said decisions on the composition of the Games should ultimately remain with the continental associations and host nations.
The 2026 Asian Games feature 43 sports, compared with 32 at the Paris Olympics, with more than 17,000 athletes and officials registered for the event. The scale and composition of the programme have prompted discussion over whether the Asian Games should align more closely with the Olympic Games.
“I think that the continental Games have to make that decision for themselves. I think the continental associations have their own autonomy, and really for the future, it’s about strengthening how the continental Games can feed into the Olympic Games,” Coventry said in an exclusive interview with Xinhua.
She noted that the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has been advocating for the Asian Games to be held a year before the Olympics, potentially allowing the continental event to serve as a qualification platform.
“I know that the continental associations are pushing and advocating for their Games to happen a year before the Olympic Games so that they can be used for qualifications for the Olympic Games, which I think is a really wonderful way to strengthen our movement,” Coventry said.
At the same time, she stressed that decisions on the sports programme should take into account the preferences of both the continental body and the host country.
“Each continent has some different sports, and then you look down at the hosts, and the hosts have very specific sports that are engaging for them. So I think it has to be a blend of considerations,” she said.
Coventry arrived in Nagoya on Friday evening. On Saturday, she visited the Main Media Center, met IOC members from Asia and toured the Main Press Center and International Broadcast Center.
The opening ceremony at Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium officially marked the start of the 20th Asian Games.
During her two-day visit, Coventry said she planned to attend basketball, swimming and several other sporting events.
“We’re only here for a quick two days, but we’re excited to be here and try to see as much as we can,” she said.
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