2 hrs ago
Asian Games 2026: Indian Athletes Receive Japanese Etiquette Briefing
Indian athletes are preparing to compete in Japan at the 2026 Asian Games.
They were shown a video about how to behave politely in public.
They were asked to carry their rubbish until they find a bin.
They should wait their turn in queues and avoid loud music or conversations.
They were also told to respect people’s personal space and cover tattoos in places where that is expected.
These customs may be different from what athletes are used to at home.
Experts said following local customs shows respect without meaning one culture is better than another.
The athletes are representing India both during competitions and in their everyday behaviour.
The rules may also help them feel more organised while travelling and competing abroad.
The Sports Authority of India briefed athletes on Japanese etiquette before the 2026 Asian Games.
Athletes were told to carry their rubbish, queue properly, keep noise down and respect personal space.
They were advised to cover visible tattoos where appropriate because some Japanese spaces restrict or discourage them.
India’s contingent includes 503 athletes and support staff, with more than 300 athletes reportedly making their Asian Games debuts.
Experts said the guidance promotes civic responsibility, cultural sensitivity and predictability while athletes adjust to an unfamiliar environment.
- Who
- The Sports Authority of India briefed Indian athletes, with experts explaining the broader significance of the guidance.
- What
- Indian athletes received instructions on Japanese etiquette, including waste disposal, queueing, noise levels, tattoos and physical boundaries.
- Where
- The Games will be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
- When
- The guidance was issued ahead of the Asian Games, scheduled for September 19 to October 4, 2026.
- Why
- The briefing aims to help athletes respect local customs and represent India appropriately outside the sporting arena.
Key facts
- Event
- 20th Asian Games
- Dates
- September 19–October 4, 2026
- Host location
- Aichi-Nagoya, Japan
- Indian contingent
- 503 athletes, along with support staff
- First-time competitors
- More than 300 Indian athletes are reportedly Asian Games first-timers
- Etiquette guidance
- Carry waste, queue properly, use earphones, cover tattoos where appropriate and respect personal space
- Guidance provider
- Sports Authority of India
Quotes
Dr Pavitra Shankar
Associate consultant psychiatrist at Aakash Healthcare
“Queueing means accepting that our urgency does not automatically make our time more important than everybody else’s. Carrying our rubbish until we find a bin means tolerating a small personal inconvenience rather than transferring it to the community.”
indianexpress.com
“Respecting Japanese customs does not require concluding that one culture is superior to another. It means recognising that when we enter another society, understanding how that society experiences respect is itself an act of respect.”
indianexpress.com
Sources
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