Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) will make its historic first appearance at the Asian Games next year in Japan, a significant landmark for the burgeoning sport. This was agreed during a recent meeting of the Olympic Council of Asia, a move that heralds broader acceptance of MMA as part of mainstream competitive sports.
The addition of MMA is a sign of the sport’s exploding popularity throughout Asia, where nations such as China, India, and the Philippines have given birth to up-and-coming stars and dedicated fanbases. The premiere is set to draw strong interest, with the expectation for national teams to start training top-notch fighters for the international competition.
Cricket was also officially approved to feature in the Games, making the sporting event more appealing to more people. It was a return of cricket following years of lobbying by member countries for the game’s inclusion in the Asian Games programme.
With the inclusion of both sports, the 2026 Asian Games in Japan is set to be one of the most inclusive and entertaining editions so far. The increased roster marks a change towards inclusivity and regional sporting interests, guaranteeing an entertaining display for fans in Asia and beyond.
