Asian Games 2026: Weather Crisis Is No Longer A One-Day Problem; Aichi-Nagoya Faces Growing Weather Challenge
The 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya have barely begun, but the weather has already emerged as a major concern. What started with record rainfall and flooding has now moved into a bigger question over how the conditions could affect the continental event.
Xtratime Webdesk: The 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya have barely begun, but the weather has already emerged as a major concern. What started with record rainfall and flooding has now moved into a bigger question over how the conditions could affect the continental event. Torrential rain hit the region last week, forcing around 400 athletes and staff staying in temporary accommodation to briefly move to higher ground. Roads were flooded, public transport services were disrupted, and some sporting events faced delays or postponements.
And now, another threat is emerging as Tropical Storm Dujuan is moving towards central Japan, with maximum sustained winds of around 90 km/h and gusts reaching 126 km/h. The storm could approach the Aichi-Nagoya area around September 21, putting organisers on alert during the early stages of the Asian Games.
China’s Asian Games campaign ends without a ball being bowled, and the impact of the weather is already being felt in one of the Games’ most visible sporting events like cricket. China’s women’s quarter-final against Bangladesh at Kōrogi Sports Park in Nisshin was abandoned without even a toss because persistent rain left the outfield unplayable. With no result possible, Bangladesh advanced to the semi-finals because of its higher international ranking under the Asian Games playing regulations. For China, that meant their Asian Games cricket campaign was over without a single delivery being bowled in their knockout match.
The significance goes beyond one cricket game. All Asian Games cricket matches are being played at Kōrogi Sports Park, meaning the conditions at the venue could remain an important factor throughout the tournament.
India now enters the weather equation too, and India are scheduled to face the hosting nation Japan in the women’s cricket quarter-final on September 18 at the same venue. India are the defending champions, making the match an important part of their title defence. There is no suggestion that the match will be washed out, but the weather conditions have already shown how quickly they can affect a knockout game.
Meanwhile, organisers are preparing for further disruption. Japan’s chef de mission Kosei Inoue has said the Japanese Olympic Committee is holding meetings and making preparations for the potential impact of the weather. With the Asian Games bringing athletes from across the continent to Aichi-Nagoya, the challenge for organisers is now clear; keeping the Games running smoothly while the weather continues to test the region.
