Asian Games 2026 Medals: Design, Material, Weight and Key Facts

The Asian Games 2026 medals carry a deeper meaning than that associated with sporting triumph. The 20th Asian Games will take place in Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya, Japan from September 19, 2026 and the medals were designed on the basis of the slogan “Imagine One Asia” reflecting the diversity of the Asian culture and its unity brought about by sports. In addition to that, the unusual design of the medals reflects the difficulties, sacrifices and perseverance of the athletes.

What Is Special About the Asian Games 2026 Medal Design?

The design that won the competition and became the Asian Games 2026 medal design was proposed by the designer Daisuke Shiba and was chosen as a result of an open competition participated by students and professional designers.

The basic idea behind the medal design is “unity in diversity.” In the process of developing the design ceramic discs were intentionally broken and studied to develop an aesthetically pleasing shape.

The fragments reflect all the experiences, difficulties and failures faced by athletes throughout their training. When the fragments combine and become one medal, it means the realization of the athlete’s entire path in one moment.

Asian Games 2026 Medal: Size, Weight, and Material

These medals are circular, measuring 80 mm in diameter and 5 mm in thickness. The total weight and material of the medals differ as mentioned below.

What Is the Relationship Between the Medals and Sustainability?

There is a relationship between sustainability and the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Games in that sustainability has been integrated into the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Recycled Medal Project.

Through this project, part of the metals for making the medals has been obtained from small electronic devices contributed by participating municipalities.

This project has been aimed at propagating concepts like recycling and circular economy among others, hence adding value to the medals beyond their use as sporting tools.

What Do the Medals Ribbons Mean?

The symbolism is further extended to the medal ribbon where there is the use of silhouette of kakitsubata, which is the flower of Aichi Prefecture.

The curving of the ribbon has been inspired by the leaves of this flower and has been done with the aim of conveying the gracefulness of the athletes.

How Does the Asian Games 2026 Medal Case Differ Culturally?

The medal case holds cultural significance too, with the inner and outer parts of the case designed in the form of octagon based on the symbol of the Japanese alphabet ‘eight.’

This motif was traditionally associated with the Owari Tokugawa clan that used to rule the region of Aichi. This motif is also part of the city emblem of Nagoya.

The wider shape from outside to inside signifies the movement from the present to the future with the hopes of further growth and development.

Why Is the Medal Case Made from Japanese Cypress?

Japanese cypress from Aichi is called Hinoki and has been used to make the medal case.

It denotes the traditional culture of the region. The wooden box has traditionally been used in the Japanese tea culture to keep valuable things safe and has been drawn inspiration from here to provide a token to athletes.

What Do the 2026 Asian Games Medals Mean?

The Aichi-Nagoya 2026 medals blend sports with culture, sustainability and regional identification.

The broken pattern reflects the obstacles athletes face, while the concept itself embodies the diversity and unity of Asia through sports. The use of sustainable materials is represented by recycling, while the kakitsubata flower, eight and hinoki from Aichi link the medals to the hosting region.