Forty-five countries have geared up for the spectacular sporting extravaganza in the packed Asian Games 2018 schedule. Around 10,000 athletes are all set to make a mark and 462 medals are up for grabs across 47 sports. The grandest Asian celebration of sports is here! There is a celebratory mood in the air and the mascots are spreading cheer!
Asian Games is a multi-sport event held every four years for athletes all over Asia. It is the second most prestigious sporting event in the world, after the Olympics. Olympic Council of Asia has been organizing the games since 1982. India hosted the first ever Asiad in the year 1951 at New Delhi.
Wondering where to watch the games or what is the schedule. Fret not! We have everything covered for you. Dive in to know everything about the Asian Games 2018.
Mary Kom tips off the Asian Games torch relay in New Delhi
Did You Know?
The total budget of the Asian Games 2018 is estimated to be $3.2 billion.
Asian Games 2018 Schedule
The Asian Games 2018 are scheduled from 18 August to 2 September 2018. The opening ceremony will take place at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta. The preliminary rounds of water polo, basketball, football, and handball have already started from the 8th of August. Indian track and field athlete, Neeraj Chopra, will be the flag bearer for India at the opening ceremony.
Asian Games 2018 – Where to Watch
You can catch the games live on Sony Ten network. SonyLiv website and app will also live stream all the events.
The battleground is all set. There is festive fervour in the air. Earlier, Hanoi had won the bid to host the games in 2012. However, they decided to withdraw due to financial constraints.
Indonesia was officially declared as the host country during the closing of 2014 Incheon Games. Factors like good sports facilities, transportation network, hotels, and lodging facilities helped Indonesia seal the deal.
Two cities are hosting the games for the first time. Jakarta had earlier hosted them in 1962. All the events will be held in and around Jakarta and Palembang. The opening and closing ceremony will take place in Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium in Jakarta.
The four clusters – Gelora Bung Karno cluster, Jakarta cluster, Jakarta Suburb cluster, and Jakabaring Sports City Palembang cluster will handle all sporting events.
Gelora Bung Karno Sports Complex has been renovated especially for the games. Its seating capacity has been reduced from 88,000 to 76,127. It will host athletics, badminton, basketball, aquatics, volleyball, basketball, field hockey, baseball, softball, archery, rugby, squash, fencing, judo, karate, martial arts, and taekwondo.
Sports like cycling, baseball, equestrian, sailing, jet ski, pencak silat, kabaddi, boxing, gymnastics, table, tennis, weightlifting, golf, handball, and volleyball will be organized at other venues in Jakarta.
Palembang will host women’s football, tennis, soft-tennis, canoeing, rowing, triathlon, sepak takraw, bowling, sports climbing, beach volleyball, shooting, and roller sports.
West Java and Banten will host men’s football, paragliding, modern pentathlon, cycling, and canoeing.
Asian Games 2018 – The Mascots
Initially, a mascot named Derawan was chosen as the mascot. However, the Indonesian government received a lot of flak for this decision. Most citizens felt that he looked more like a chicken, not the exotic bird it was supposed to be. Also, there was no historical connection to the symbol.
The new logo and mascots of the Asian Games were selected after a competition by Indonesia’s Creative Economy Board. Joko Widodo, the president of Indonesia, chose the winner from over 60 participants. The three mascots symbolize the diversity of the country.
Bhin bhin or the bird of paradise reflects Eastern Indonesia. It is a Cendrawasih bird, wearing a vest with Asmat pattern from Papua. Bhin bhin stands for strategy.
Kaka, the one-horned rhinoceros, represents Western Indonesia. He is wearing Palembang’s traditional attire with a flower pattern. Kaka stands for strength.
Atung, the Bawean deer, reflects the central part of the country and stands for speed. He is wearing a sarong with Jakarta’s Tumpal batik pattern.
Twitter has launched three new emojis to celebrate the spirit of Asian Games. The official Asian Games logo, a torch representing the energy of Asia, and three mascots are available as emoticons until October on Twitter.
Asian Games 2018 – The Logo
The logo symbolizes the energy of Asia and the unity of the countries. It has an aerial view of the Gelora Bung Karno stadium. The eight gates of the stadium have been shown along with the Asian Games sun in the middle. The stadium was first built for 1962 games that Jakarta hosted.
The logo concentrates on three factors – Asia, Indonesia, and sports. The multiple colors celebrate the diversity of the Asian countries.
Asian Games 2018 – The Anthem
Indonesian Asian Games Organizing Committee has released an album with 13 songs by various musical artists. It is called as Asian Games 2018: Energy of Asia. The official anthem of the Asian Games 2018 is the song ‘Bright as the Sun’ by Energy 18. The song celebrates the energy of Asia. The song is very spunky and motivating. Check it out below
“Bright as the Sun”
Open your eyes, strengthen your heart Energize in your spirit Stand firm, fly you high This is the time your name resonates
The meaning of defeat as a delayed victory never despair of being the best
Show the world .. You are as Bright as The Sun We Deserve to be the one Invite your fearst come on, don’t waste your time Raise the energy you shine and give your best let God to the rest
Nobody can (no one can) Break your dreams (hack your dreams ) We must be able to achieve dreams
Fly the flag of your people Located in the highest place Make your young soul carve history
Show the world .. You are as Bright As The Sun We Deserve to be the one Invite your fearst come on, do not waste your time Race the energy you shame And give you best look at to the race
Different is not a reason for not supporting each other The goals of different goals and expectations are not reasons for not supporting each other’s goals and hopes
Show the world You are as Bright As The Sun We Deserve to be the one
All Asian countries are set to be the one! There is so much excitement and positivity in the air.
Indian Squad at the Asiads
Asian Games contingent with sports minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore
The next couple of weeks are going to very exciting for all Asian countries. As proud Indians, we can support our athletes by diligently watching the games and cheering them on.
Detailed Schedule
Two types
Medal Competition – Medal winning stage of the event when the result will decide a medal
Event Competition – Qualifying and other stages other than Medal winning stage
Below are the events with dates.
August 19 Aquatics – Swimming – Medal Competition Aquatics – Water polo – Event Competition Baseball – Softball – Event Competition Basketball – 5X5 – Event Competition Football – Event Competition Handball – Event Competition Field Hockey – Event Competition Kabaddi – Event Competition Karate – Medal Competition Martial arts – Pencak silat – Event Competition Martial arts – Wushu – Medal Competition Rowing – Event Competition Sepaktakraw – Event Competition Tennis – Event Competition Volleyball – Beach – Event Competition Volleyball – Indoor – Event Competition Weightlifting – Medal Competition
August 24 Aquatics – Swimming – Medal Competition Aquatics – Water polo – Event Competition Archery – Event Competition Badminton – Event Competition Basketball – 5X5 – Event Competition Basketball – 3X3 – Event Competition Bowling – Event Competition Boxing – Event Competition Bridge – Event Competition Canoeing – Slalom – Medal Competition Canoeing – Traditional boat race – Event Competition Cycling – Road – Medal Competition Equestrian – Eventing – Event Competition Fencing – Medal Competition Football – Event Competition Golf – Medal Competition Gymnastics – Artistic – Medal Competition Handball – Event Competition Field Hockey – Event Competition Jet ski – Medal Competition Kabaddi – Medal Competition Martial arts – Kurash – Medal Competition Martial arts – Pencak silat – Medal Competition Paragliding – Medal Competition Rowing – Medal Competition Sailing – Event Competition Sepak takraw – Event Competition Shooting – Medal Competition Sports climbing – Event Competition Squash – Event Competition Tennis – Event Competition Volleyball – Beach – Event Competition Volleyball – Indoor – Event Competition Weightlifting – Medal Competition
August 27: Aquatics – Synchronised Swimming – Medal Competition Aquatics – Water polo – Event Competition Archery – Medal Competition Athletics – Medal Competition Badminton – Event Competition Baseball – Event Competition Basketball – 5X5 – Event Competition Bowling – Medal Competition Boxing – Event Competition Bridge – Event Competition Canoeing – Sprint – Event Competition Cycling – Track – Medal Competition Fencing – Medal Competition Football – Event Competition Gymnastics – Rhythmic – Medal Competition Handball – Event Competition Field Hockey – Event Competition Paragliding – Event Competition Roller sports – Skateboarding – Event Competition Sepak takraw – Medal Competition Shooting – Medal Competition Squash – Medal Competition Table tennis – Medal Competition Tennis – Event Competition Volleyball – Beach – Event Competition Volleyball – Indoor – Event Competition
Wrestling – Medal Competition
August 30 Aquatics – Diving – Medal Competition Aquatics – Water polo – Event Competition Athletics – Medal Competition Badminton – Event Competition Baseball – Event Competition Basketball – 5X5 – Event Competition Bridge – Event Competition Canoeing – Sprint – Event Competition Cycling – Track – Medal Competition Equestrian – Jumping – Medal Competition Football – Event Competition Handball – Medal Competition Field Hockey – Medal Competition Judo – Medal Competition Martial arts – Jujitsu – Medal Competition Martial arts – Sambo – Medal Competition Paragliding – Event Competition Roller sports – Roller skating – Event Competition Sailing – Event Competition Sepak takraw – Event Competition Squash – Event Competition Table tennis – Event Competition Taekwondo – Medal Competition Tennis – Soft tennis – Medal Competition Volleyball – Indoor – Event Competition Wrestling – Medal Competition
August 31 Aquatics – Diving – Medal Competition Aquatics – Water polo – Event Competition Badminton – Medal Competition Baseball – Event Competition Basketball – 5X5 – Event Competition Bridge – Event Competition Boxing – Event Competition Canoeing – Sprint – Medal Competition Cycling – Track – Medal Competition Football – Event Competition Handball – Medal Competition Field Hockey – Medal Competition Judo – Medal Competition Martial arts – Jujitsu – Medal Competition Martial arts – Sambo – Medal Competition Modern Pentathlon – Medal Competition Paragliding – Event Competition Roller sports – Roller skating – Medal Competition Rugby sevens – Event Competition Sailing – Medal Competition Sepaktakraw – Event Competition Squash – Event Competition Table tennis – Medal Competition Taekwondo – Medal Competition Tennis – Soft tennis – Medal Competition Triathlon – Medal Competition Volleyball – Indoor – Medal Competition Wrestling – Medal Competition
August 20 Aquatics – Swimming – Medal Competition Aquatics – Water polo – Event Competition Baseball – Softball – Event Competition Basketball – 5X5 – Event Competition Cycling – Mountain bike – Medal Competition Equestrian – Dressage – Medal Competition Football – Event Competition Gymnastics – Artistic – Medal Competition Handball – Event Competition Field Hockey – Event Competition Kabaddi – Event Competition Karate – Medal Competition Martial arts – Pencak silat – Event Competition Martial arts – Wushu – Medal Competition Rowing – Event Competition Sepak takraw – Event Competition Sports Climbing – Event Competition Tennis – Event Competition Volleyball – Beach – Event Competition Volleyball – Indoor – Event Competition Weightlifting – Medal Competition
August 21 Aquatics – Swimming – Medal Competition Aquatics – Water polo – Event Competition Archery – Event Competition Baseball – Softball – Event Competition Basketball – 5X5 – Event Competition Cycling – Mountain bike – Medal Competition Equestrian – Dressage – Event Competition Football – Event Competition Golf – Event Competition Gymnastics – Artistic – Medal Competition Handball – Event Competition Field Hockey – Event Competition Kabaddi – Event Competition Karate – Medal Competition Martial arts – Kurash – Medal Competition Martial arts – Pencak silat – Event Competition Martial arts – Wushu – Medal Competition Rowing – Event Competition Paragliding – Event Competition Sepak takraw – Medal Competition Shooting – Medal Competition Sports Climbing – Event Competition Tennis – Event Competition Volleyball – Beach – Event Competition Volleyball – Indoor – Event Competition Weightlifting – Medal Competition
August 25 Aquatics – Water polo – Event Competition Archery – Event Competition Athletics – Medal Competition Baseball – Event Competition Basketball – 5X5 – Event Competition Basketball – 3X3 – Event Competition Bowling – Medal Competition Boxing – Event Competition Bridge – Event Competition Canoeing – Slalom – Medal Competition Canoeing – Sprint – Event Competition Canoeing – Traditional boat race – Medal Competition Cycling – BMX (race) – Medal Competition Fencing – Medal Competition Field Hockey – Event Competition Jet ski – Medal Competition Paragliding – Event Competition Sailing – Event Competition Sepak takraw – Event Competition Shooting – Medal Competition Sports climbing – Medal Competition Squash – Event Competition Table tennis – Event Competition Tennis – Event Competition Volleyball – Beach – Event Competition Volleyball – Indoor – Event Competition Weightlifting – Medal Competition
August 28 Aquatics – Diving – Medal Competition Aquatics – Synchronised Swimming – Medal Competition Aquatics – Water polo – Event Competition Archery – Medal Competition Athletics – Medal Competition Badminton – Event Competition Baseball – Event Competition Basketball – 5X5 – Event Competition Bowling – Medal Competition Boxing – Event Competition Bridge – Event Competition Canoeing – Sprint – Medal Competition Cycling – BMX (freestyle) – Medal Competition Cycling – Track – Medal Competition Equestrian – Jumping – Medal Competition Fencing – Medal Competition Football – Event Competition Paragliding – Medal Competition Roller sports – Skateboarding – Medal Competition Sailing – Event Competition Sepak takraw – Event Competition Squash – Event Competition Table tennis – Event Competition Taekwondo – Medal Competition Tennis – Medal Competition Tennis – Soft tennis – Event Competition Volleyball – Beach – Medal Competition Volleyball – Indoor – Event Competition Wrestling – Medal Competition
September 1 Aquatics – Diving – Medal Competition Aquatics – Water polo – Medal Competition Badminton – Medal Competition Baseball – Event Competition Basketball – 5X5 – Medal Competition Bridge – Event Competition Boxing – Medal Competition Canoeing – Sprint – Medal Competition Cycling – Track – Medal Competition Football – Medal Competition Judo – Medal Competition Martial arts – Jujitsu – Medal Competition Modern Pentathlon – Medal Competition Paragliding – Medal Competition Rugby sevens – Medal Competition Sepak takraw – Medal Competition Squash – Medal Competition Table tennis – Medal Competition Taekwondo – Medal Competition Tennis – Soft tennis – Medal Competition Triathlon – Medal Competition Volleyball – Indoor – Medal Competition
August 18 Opening ceremony
August 22 Aquatics – Swimming – Medal Competition Archery – Event Competition Baseball – Softball – Event Competition Basketball – 5X5 – Event Competition Basketball – 3X3 – Event Competition Bowling – Medal Competition Bridge – Event Competition Cycling – Road – Medal Competition Football – Event Competition Golf – Event Competition Gymnastics – Artistic – Medal Competition Field Hockey – Event Competition Kabaddi – Event Competition Martial arts – Kurash – Medal Competition Martial arts – Pencak silat – Event Competition Martial arts – Wushu – Medal Competition Paragliding – Event Competition Rowing – Event Competition Sepak takraw – Event Competition Sports Climbing – Event Competition Shooting – Medal Competition Tennis – Event Competition Volleyball – Beach – Event Competition Volleyball – Indoor – Event Competition Weightlifting – Medal Competition
August 23 Aquatics – Swimming – Medal Competition Aquatics – Water polo – Event Competition Archery – Event Competition Badminton – Event Competition Baseball – Softball – Medal Competition Basketball – 5X5 – Event Competition Basketball – 3X3 – Event Competition Bowling – Medal Competition Canoeing – Traditional boat race – Event Competition Cycling – Road – Medal Competition Equestrian – Dressage – Medal Competition Football – Event Competition Golf – Event Competition Gymnastics – Artistic – Medal Competition Field Hockey – Event Competition Jet ski – Medal Competition Kabaddi – Event Competition Martial arts – Kurash – Medal Competition Martial arts – Pencak silat – Event Competition Martial arts – Wushu – Medal Competition Paragliding – Event Competition Sailing – Event Competition Sepak takraw – Event Competition Shooting – Medal Competition Sports climbing – Event Competition Squash – Event Competition Tennis – Medal Competition Volleyball – Beach – Event Competition Volleyball – Indoor – Event Competition Weightlifting – Medal Competition
August 26: Aquatics – Water polo – Event Competition Archery – Event Competition Athletics – Medal Competition Badminton – Medal Competition Baseball – Event Competition Basketball – 5X5 – Event Competition Basketball – 3X3 – Medal Competition Bowling – Medal Competition Boxing – Event Competition Bridge – Medal Competition Canoeing – Sprint – Event Competition Cycling – Track – Medal Competition Equestrian – Eventing – Medal Competition Fencing – Medal Competition Gymnastics – Rhythmic – Medal Competition Handball – Event Competition Field Hockey – Event Competition Jet ski – Medal Competition Martial arts – Pencak silat – Medal Competition Paragliding – Event Competition Sailing – Event Competition Sepak takraw – Event Competition Shooting – Medal Competition Squash – Event Competition Table tennis – Event Competition Tennis – Event Competition Volleyball – Beach – Event Competition Volleyball – Indoor – Event Competition Weightlifting – Medal Competition
August 29: Aquatics – Diving – Medal Competition Aquatics – Synchronised Swimming – Medal Competition Aquatics – Water polo – Event Competition Athletics – Medal Competition Badminton – Event Competition Baseball – Event Competition Bowling – Medal Competition Boxing – Event Competition Bridge – Event Competition Canoeing – Sprint – Medal Competition Cycling – Track – Medal Competition Fencing – Medal Competition Gymnastics – Trampoline – Medal Competition Handball – Event Competition Field Hockey – Event Competition Judo – Medal Competition Martial arts – Jujitsu – Medal Competition Martial arts – Sambo – Medal Competition Paragliding – Event Competition Sailing – Event Competition Sepak takraw – Event Competition Squash – Event Competition Table tennis – Event Competition Taekwondo – Medal Competition Tennis – Medal Competition Tennis – Soft tennis – Medal Competition Volleyball – Indoor – Event Competition Wrestling – Medal Competition
A passionate foodie, a versatile writer, and now a sports enthusiast, Mamta is always open to exploring new avenues. She has a vast experience in Web Content Writing, Editing, and Social Media Management. A self-confessed coffee and dark chocolate addict, she believes in following her heart and giving her 100% into everything she does.
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Mary Kom tips off the Asian Games torch relay in New Delhi
Atung, the Bawean deer, reflects the central part of the country and stands for speed. He is wearing a sarong with Jakarta’s Tumpal batik pattern.
Asian Games contingent with sports minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore
