The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) anticipates a landmark 2026 with three major events: the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games (13,000 athletes), the Asian Beach Games in Sanya, and the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games (AIMAG) in Riyadh (4,000 athletes), totaling over 26,000 athletes. This follows a successful 2025 with the Asian Youth Games and the Asian Winter Games. OCA Director General Husain Al Musallam highlights the unifying power of sport and the importance of cooperation among NOCs, organizing committees, and IFs in making these events possible.

Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) Acting President Timothy Fok commended Bahrain for hosting the 3rd Asian Youth Games. He highlighted the event's role in athlete development and legacy of inspiring a generation. During the closing ceremony, the OCA flag was passed from Bahrain to Tashkent, Uzbekistan, which will host the next edition in 2029. China topped the medal standings in the games that saw 4,051 athletes from 45 NOCs compete.

The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and Tencent have expanded their partnership to enhance esports at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games. The agreement, signed during the OCA Executive Committee meeting in Manama, focuses on promoting esports and cultural exchange. Tencent Esports' prior experience at the 2018 Jakarta and 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games will inform the collaboration. The Aichi-Nagoya Games, scheduled for September 19 to October 4, 2026, will feature 11 official esports events. Additionally, mixed martial arts will be introduced, and cricket will return in its T20 format. Another cooperation agreement was signed between the OCA and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council.

Bahrain hosted the opening ceremony of the Asian Youth Games 2025 on October 22, 2025, featuring over 4,000 athletes from 45 NOCs. Timothy Fok, Acting President of the Olympic Council of Asia, praised Bahrain for stepping in to host the Games. The event includes 26 sports and aims to develop youth sport and identify future Olympic champions. Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa officially opened the Games, which run until October 31.

Muaythai made its debut at the Asian Youth Games in Manama, Bahrain, with 28 countries participating in combat and cultural divisions. The event, coordinated by the International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA), included briefings on regulations and safety protocols. The games hosted 8,000 young athletes from 45 Asian nations. The opening ceremony, presided over by the Bahrain Olympic Committee and the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), celebrated youth, culture, and unity.