The two-day World Press Briefing was held from Thursday (October 4) to Friday for international media representatives. The event, hosted by the Organising Committee for the Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026, provided on-site inspections of the venues and other functional areas, and also offered professional guidance and support to help media organizations cover the Games.

The Sports Ministry has announced stringent new selection criteria for the Asian Games, with only athletes considered to have a real chance of winning medals eligible for nomination by their national federations. It is a clear departure from previous criteria, which was criticised as vague and haphazard. Additionally, the ministry has barred the inclusion of additional sportspersons, coaches and other staff at any cost to the government, addressing a recurring dispute over the eligibility of those seeking to compete at the Games on their own.

Japan’s Aichi-Nagoya Games organisers are working on a comprehensive transport plan to ensure that fans will have the best possible experience in terms of getting around. The region is well served by trains (JR lines, Kintetsu Railway and Meitetsu), a subway system with six lines, and buses.

The Aichi-Nagoya Organising Committee will make every effort to provide a wide range of events in order to cater for all types of interests and to promote the Asian Games to as many people as possible. We are proud to host the Asian Games, a milestone in the history of Asia and an ideal opportunity to further deepen regional exchanges.