Japan makes strong start at Asian Games, rises to second with 46 medals
Sukhminder Bhangoo
Aichi-Nagoya (Japan), September 23, 2026: Host nation Japan has made a strong start at the 20th Asian Games, winning 46 medals to move into second place in the medal standings after competition on September 22.
Japan’s tally includes 11 gold, 16 silver and 19 bronze medals. The 19 bronze medals are the highest component of Japan’s medal haul so far.
China is leading the standings with 53 medals — 32 gold, 13 silver and eight bronze — while India is currently eighth with seven medals, including one gold, four silver and two bronze.
Swimming, Gymnastics Add to Japan’s Gold Tally
Japan added gold medals in swimming, gymnastics and fencing on September 22.
Seventeen-year-old Japanese swimmer Yumeki Kojima won the men’s 400m individual medley in 4:07.02, setting an Asian Games record. His compatriot Tomoyuki Matsushita claimed silver in the same event.
In women’s artistic gymnastics, Aiko Sugihara won gold in the all-around competition, becoming the first Japanese gymnast to win an Asian Games gold medal in the event.
Japan Hosting Asian Games for Third Time
The Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games are being held from September 19 to October 4. Japan is hosting the continental multi-sport event for the third time.
Tokyo previously hosted the Asian Games in 1958, while Hiroshima hosted the event in 1994.
The 2026 edition features athletes from 45 countries and regions, competing across 43 sports and 469 medal events.
China Builds Early Lead
China has opened up a significant lead at the top of the medal table, with 32 gold medals, compared with Japan’s 11.
At the Hangzhou Asian Games in 2022, China finished with 383 medals, including 201 gold medals.
India Wins Seven Medals
India had won seven medals by the end of September 22, comprising one gold, four silver and two bronze medals.
India’s first gold came from the women’s cricket team, which defeated Sri Lanka by 147 runs in the final.
Shooting has also contributed significantly to India’s early medal tally. Elavenil Valarivan, Sonam Maskar, Vidarsa Vinod, Himanshu Dhillon, Rudrankksh Patil and Parth Mane were among the Indian shooters contributing to the country’s medals.
Suchika Tariyal also secured a bronze medal in mixed martial arts.
Medal Standings as of September 22
- China: 32 gold, 13 silver, 8 bronze — 53 medals
- Japan: 11 gold, 16 silver, 19 bronze — 46 medals
- India: 1 gold, 4 silver, 2 bronze — 7 medals, eighth place
Japan had won 188 medals — 52 gold, 67 silver and 69 bronze — at the Hangzhou Asian Games in 2022.
The medal standings are based on competition completed through September 22, 2026. The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games will continue until October 4.