OCA Denies Rumors of Esports Exclusion from Asian Games
Written with artificial intelligence.
The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has issued a statement refuting rumors regarding the exclusion of esports from the Asian Games. OCA confirmed that esports will continue to be recognized as an official medal event and will receive ongoing support for its development in Asia.
OCA Confirms Esports Status
The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has publicly denied false information circulating online about the future of esports. In a statement released on September 28, 2026, in Nagoya, Japan, OCA reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining esports as an official medal sport at the Asian Games and to supporting the growth of esports across the region.
OCA Secretary General Husain Al Musallam emphasized that there has never been an order or announcement from OCA to exclude esports from the Olympic system. He indicated that recent unfounded claims contradict the overall plans and long-term organizational activities established by OCA. The popularity and appeal of esports among Asian youth remain a driving force for OCA's efforts in this area.
To enhance opportunities for player development, OCA has signed a hosting agreement with Kuwait on September 19, 2026, granting Kuwait the rights to host the inaugural Asian Games Esports and Mind Sports event in 2027. OCA officials stated that the establishment of this separate event will not diminish the status of esports in the Asian Games but will instead create more opportunities for local athletes to showcase their skills.
Esports made its debut as a demonstration sport at the Asian Games in Jakarta and Palembang in 2018, and it was elevated to an official medal sport at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, where medals were awarded in seven categories, receiving high recognition in the international sports community. Since then, esports has steadily expanded its influence across the Asian continent.
The ongoing Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya are showcasing fighting games and have garnered significant attention. This year's event features 11 categories, including fighting games, team strategy games, games developed specifically for the Asian Games, racing simulation games, and puzzle games, attracting a large fanbase. The success of these tournaments in Japan further solidifies the position of esports in the hearts of fans and within the OCA's organizational structure.