Asian Games organizers work to lift ticket sales for lagging sports
Organizers of the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi are pushing to increase ticket sales for football and baseball, which have been sluggish. More than 60% of tickets have been sold across 31 of 41 sports, with some events like kabaddi and sepak takraw sold out. Additional seats will be released on a rolling basis for sold-out events.
Organizers initially aimed to distribute 2.75 million tickets across the Games and Para Games, yet internal estimates suggest fewer than a million were purchased by late August. This shortfall is particularly acute for women's football and baseball, prompting a final promotional effort before the opening ceremony.
Conversely, niche sports like kabaddi and sepak takraw have reached full capacity, alongside nearly all badminton dates. However, repeated schedule alterations have generated significant public frustration, with attendees and athletes voicing complaints on social media, potentially dampening overall enthusiasm.
The uneven ticket demand could shape the overall atmosphere of the 2026 Asian Games, potentially diminishing the competitive edge for athletes in less popular sports if sparse crowds fail to provide energy. It may also impact the economic return for Aichi prefecture, as lower attendance could reduce local spending on hospitality and transport. Furthermore, persistent scheduling frustrations could erode public trust in the organizing committee's logistical capabilities, influencing future bids for major events.