OCA denies rumors of e-sports' removal from Asian Games

The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has denied widespread rumors suggesting that electronic sports (e-sports) will be excluded from the Asian Games competition program after the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya games. The statements were reported by Xinhua News Agency.

Recently, multiple reports have emerged alleging that e-sports would cease to be a part of the Asian Games after 2026, potentially shifting to the Asian Electronic Sports and Mind Games. The OCA has officially addressed these claims.

On September 19, the OCA signed a host city contract with Kuwait to stage the inaugural Asian Electronic Sports and Mind Games in 2027. OCA Director General Hussein Al-Musallam stated that the extensive audience for e-sports in Asia was a significant factor in this arrangement. He emphasized that the creation of a separate event would not diminish e-sports' standing within the Asian Games framework.

"The OCA will continue to support the development of e-sports in Asia and promote the sport in other Games under its umbrella," Al-Musallam said. E-sports debuted as a demonstration sport at the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games and became a medal sport at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, where seven gold medals were awarded. This year's games featured 11 e-sports disciplines, including popular titles like League of Legends and Honor of Kings.