The 20th Asian Games judo competitions are scheduled to begin on October 1, 2026, with matches hosted at the Aichi International Arena in Nagoya, Japan, according to official tournament schedules. Competition sessions for the opening day of the judo program are slated to get underway at 17:00 local time (JST), bringing Asia’s top martial artists to the newly established venue in the city’s Kita Ward.
Venue and Location Details for Nagoya’s Major Martial Arts Showcase
Events will take place at the Aichi International Arena, a modern multi-purpose facility located at 1-2-22 Meijo, Kita Ward, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture. The venue sits within the historic Meijo Park district, offering spectators straightforward transit access via the Nagoya Municipal Subway system ahead of the 17:00 opening bell on October 1, 2026.
Organizers have confirmed that ticketing for the 20th Asian Games judo sessions will be paid admission, with pricing tiers structured across preliminary rounds and medal blocks. Local municipal authorities and Games organizing committees have coordinated transit and security plans around the Kita Ward site to handle international delegations and spectators traveling to Nagoya for the multi-sport quadrennial event.
Judo Schedule and Competition Format at the Aichi International Arena
The tournament follows the standard International Judo Federation weight categories adopted for multi-sport continental games. Competitors representing National Olympic Committees across Asia will vie for gold, silver, and bronze medals across individual and team classifications. The evening session starting at 17:00 on October 1 places a strong focus on high-stakes preliminary elimination matches and subsequent block finals, depending on the daily competition matrix.
Fans following the tournament from outside Japan should note that Nagoya operates on Japan Standard Time (UTC+9), meaning international broadcasts and live score updates will align with the late-afternoon and evening windows established by the local competition schedule.
Ticketing and Spectator Information
Admission to the judo events at the Aichi International Arena is ticketed. Official ticketing portals managed by the organizing committee outline seat tiers, purchase limits, and entry protocols for the venue at Meijo 1-chome. Spectators attending sessions in Nagoya are advised to review venue security guidelines, bag policies, and public transit recommendations ahead of arrival.
Next Steps and Official Updates
Official weigh-in results, exact mat assignments, and broadcast schedules will be released by tournament organizers closer to the opening bell on October 1, 2026. For continuous updates on the 20th Asian Games judo tournament, check official Games portals and national Olympic committee announcements.
