Nagoya (Japan), Sept. 19 -- International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Kirsty Coventry said on the opening day of the 20th Asian Games that the continental Games should strengthen their links with the Olympic movement, while their sports program must remain a decision for the continent and the host.
The 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games feature 43 sports, compared with 32 at the Paris Olympics. More than 17,000 athletes and officials have registered for the event. The size and composition of the sports program have sparked debate over whether the Asian Games should "slim down" and align more closely with the Olympics.
"I think that the continental Games have to make that decision for themselves. I think the continental associations have ...