India-Pakistan cricket, hockey clashes set Asian Games viewership records: OCA | Asian Games 2026 News
India-Pakistan clashes in cricket and hockey became the biggest-viewed matches in Asian Games history, according to the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA). The announcement came as officials highlighted the sporting records and overall athlete experience at the Aichi-Nagoya Games.India defeated Pakistan 4-3 in the men’s hockey semifinal in Kakamigahara before beating Malaysia to win gold. In cricket, India edged Pakistan by 19 runs in the men’s final.“The broadcast had the biggest viewership ever for the Games. Thanks to two big matches: yesterday, the Pakistan-India cricket match was the most-viewed match, and the day before (on Thursday), the Pakistan-India hockey match was the most-viewed match ever in the Games’ history,” OCA Coordination Committee President Tayyab Ikram said.No viewership figures were disclosed, and officials did not say which of the two matches attracted the larger audience.
Challenges behind the Games
The Games also faced criticism over accommodation and transport after organisers chose not to build a traditional Athletes’ Village. Athletes and officials stayed across hotels, temporary structures and a cruise ship.Ikram acknowledged the difficulties but defended the approach.“We are also aware that there were some complaints, and there were certain issues which were highlighted. Of course there were some challenges, but the way we handled the challenges, should be more important to highlight.”OCA Director General Husain Al-Musallam said the Games produced 54 world records, 11 junior world records, 89 Asian records and 212 Asian Games records.“This achievement does not come without the best environment the organising committee created for the athletes.”He added that the OCA’s marketing and sponsorship revenue was 19 per cent higher than at Hangzhou 2023, while officials said future Games could adopt more sustainable and economical hosting models without compromising athletes’ experience.
