South Korea plans to send 792 athletes to the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, according to the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee. The delegation, which includes support staff, targets a top-three finish for the 13th consecutive time while aiming for approximately 45 gold medals.
Delegation Size and Medal Targets for Aichi-Nagoya
The Korean Sport & Olympic Committee confirmed the delegation figures for the upcoming multi-sport event, which runs from September 19 to October 4, 2026. South Korean officials expect the team to compete across a broad spectrum of disciplines, maintaining a competitive edge established over decades of regional dominance. According to committee projections, the target of roughly 45 gold medals reflects both current athletic development and historical performance benchmarks at the quadrennial games.
Historical Context in Asian Games Competition
South Korea’s streak of top-three finishes in the overall medal standings began decades ago, establishing the nation as a consistent powerhouse alongside regional leaders like China and Japan. The 2026 Games in Aichi-Nagoya mark the third time Japan has hosted the summer event, following Tokyo in 1958 and Hiroshima in 1994. Korean athletic planners are structuring training regimens to meet the specific logistical and environmental challenges of competing in the Aichi prefecture.
Preparation and Qualification Timeline
National sports federations across South Korea are finalizing selection trials to determine the final roster of 792 athletes. Training camps operate under the supervision of the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee, focusing on sports science integration and acclimatization. Final entry lists must be submitted to the Olympic Council of Asia ahead of the September 2026 opening ceremony, ensuring all competing athletes meet international federation standards.