Asian Games 2026 Water Polo 1st match – 20 Sep
September 20 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
One of the exciting water sports in the Asian Games to be held at Asia’s 20th Games is Water Polo tournament. The Aquatics competition will take place from 19 September to 4 October 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya Japan and the water polo competitions will begin from around 20 September 2026.
This guide includes everything confirmed and correct information related to the event like- Venue, Format, Match details and match location etc.
Water Polo at Asian Games 2026
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Water Polo (Aquatics) |
| Competition | Asian Games 2026 |
| Edition | 20th Asian Games |
| Host Country | Japan |
| Host Region | Aichi–Nagoya |
| Event Start (Expected Water Polo) | 20 September 2026 |
| Overall Games Dates | 19 September – 4 October 2026 |
What is Water Polo?
Water Polo involves competitive team play in water and is a blend of swimming, handball and soccer.
- A swimming pool is used for the different teams to contest one another.
- There are 7 players (6 field players and 1 goalkeeper) per team
- The idea is to get out, get the ball in the goal and leave.
- Matches need to be played in an agile, stamina, and teamwork manner with tactical understanding.
Tournament Format
The competition will follow a standard Asian Games structure:
Group Stage
There will be pool plays and everybody will play each other.This will be a round robin with teams split into pools.
Knockout Stage
Top teams advance to elimination rounds
Medal Matches
- Bronze medal match
- Gold medal final
Top Teams to Watch
Among the top water polo teams in Asia are:
- Japan (Host nation)
- China
- Kazakhstan
- South Korea
- Iran
Nagoya City General Gymnasium will host water polo 1st event
The host of the water polo of Asian Games 2026 will be Domog Mountain Water Polo Stadium, Nagoya City General Gymnasium (Rainbow Pool), Aichi Prefecture, Japan, where it will be a world class aquatic stadium.
Venue and Host Country – Asian Games 2026
International level swimming and water polo will take place in Nagoya City General Gymnasium (Rainbow Pool) in Aichi Prefecture, Japan.
The Asian Games 2026 is officially hosted by Japanese.
The Games are a regional event in the country from Aichi-Nagoya and the participating athletes are to be from all over Asia in a multitude of sport disciplines, such as water polo.
How to Watch Water Polo Asian Games 2026
The matches will be broadcast via:
- Official Asian Games broadcasting partners
- Live streaming platforms (to be announced)
- National sports TV channels in participating countries
FAQs – Water Polo Asian Games 2026
1. What are the water polo start time and date at Asian Games 2026?
It should begin in the area around 20 September 2026.
2. Who will play in what location?
In Nagoya City General Gymnasium, Japan.
3. Is there going to be water polo for the boys and girls?
Yes, all entries will count as entries in competition!