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Top Athletes Gear Up for Asian Games 2026
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In Short: Several athletes, including javelin thrower Pathirage and swimmer Eala, are set to compete in the upcoming Asian Games in Japan.
From Olympic champions to teen sensations, the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, will feature a roster of top athletes aiming for continental glory.
Javelin thrower Pathirage, a standout performer this year, is eyeing the Asian record of 92.97m set by Arshad Nadeem at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Pathirage has already breached the 92m mark twice this season.
Swimmer Eala, now 13, is making her Asian Games debut and is entered in the 200m Individual Medley, 400m Individual Medley, and 200m butterfly events, alongside relays. She narrowly missed a podium finish at last year’s World Athletics Championships but found redemption with two golds and an Asian record in the 200m Individual Medley.
Eala will compete at the Singapore Open just before the games, but will skip the concurrent Beijing Open to focus on the Asian Games, which serve as automatic qualification for the LA 2028 Olympics.
Singapore’s contingent of 304 athletes will compete across 27 sports, with close to two-thirds making their Asian Games debut. Among them are seasoned athletes like Shanti Pereira and Amanda Yap, an Asian Games debutant in gymnastics.
At the official Flag Presentation Ceremony in Singapore, Kiria Tikanah Abdul Rahman and Brandon Ooi Wei Cheng were unveiled as flag bearers for the Asian Games, while Loy Ming Ying and Zack Ng Zhen Hong will carry the Singapore flag at the Youth Olympic Games.
The Asian Games will take place from September 19 to October 4, 2026, with athletes from across Asia descending on Japan to battle for continental glory.
Team Singapore softball women’s team captain Cacia Tan led the contingent in reciting the Athletes’ Pledge, emphasizing the unity and spirit of the team.
While training with the China team in Beijing, Eala told local media she was “excited” for her Asian Games debut, highlighting the anticipation and enthusiasm among the young athletes.
The Asian Games will showcase a mix of experienced athletes and emerging talents, with many eyeing first-time podium finishes and others looking to defend their titles.
What this adds
Several athletes, including javelin thrower Pathirage and swimmer Eala, are set to make their mark at the Asian Games in Japan.
Background
Several top athletes, including javelin thrower Pathirage and swimmer Eala, are set to make their mark at the Asian Games in Japan.
What's still developing
- The javelin phenom has been collecting gold medals like Pokemon cards this year, and another one at the Asian Games will add to his Diamond League, Commonwealth, and Ultimate Champion crowns.
- From Olympic champions to teen sensations to breakout stars, Al Jazeera Sport takes a look at some of the top athletes to watch: Tennis’s newest sweetheart will be the favourite for gold in women’s singles.
- (Photo Credit: SNOC/Lim Weixiang) Singapore, 29 August 2026 – United by One Team and One Dream, Team Singapore athletes bound for the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 and the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games came together today for the Team Singapore Flag Presentation Ceremony, ahead of their respective Games.
- The Asian Games contingent draws strength from the proven experience and prowess of athletes who have represented Singapore on the international stage, alongside the youthful ambition and promise of emerging athletes stepping forward.
- Guests-of-honour Ms Grace Fu, President of the Singapore National Olympic Council, and Mr David Neo, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth & Second Minister for Education, presented the Singapore flag to the Chefs de Mission for the respective Games.
- Among them are seasoned athletes such as Shanti Pereira (athletics), Ryan Lo (sailing), Stephenie Chen (canoe) and Amita Berthier (fencing), alongside Asian Games debutants including Amanda Yap (gymnastics), Ser Lin Qian (table tennis) and Ian Goh (sailing).