The Asian Games in Nagoya have once again highlighted a diverse range of sports, featuring not only traditional Olympic disciplines but also several regional games with deep cultural roots. Among these, kabaddi, sepak takraw, wushu, and kurash have drawn attention for their unique play styles and historical significance.

Kabaddi, a contact team sport originating from the Indian subcontinent, remains one of the most popular regional sports showcased at the Games. With professional leagues attracting millions of viewers in India, kabaddi combines elements of tag, tackle, and wrestling without involving a ball or traditional sporting equipment. The sport dates back centuries and was even demonstrated at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, though it has yet to gain broad international prominence. At this year’s Asian Games, India secured victories in both the men’s and women’s kabaddi finals, defeating Iran 40-34 and 37-34 respectively. Indian player Pawan Kumar emphasized strategic play, noting how his team prioritized maintaining their lead through cautious tactics in the final stages.

The format played on a rectangular court involves two teams of seven players each. A designated “raider” from the offensive side has 30 seconds to cross into the opponent’s territory, tag as many defenders as possible, and return to their side without being tackled. Matches are divided into two 20-minute halves, with points awarded for successful tags and defensive stops.

Sepak takraw, often described as volleyball played using the feet, is another Southeast Asian sport featured at the Games. Played by two to four players per side, the sport prohibits the use of hands; players kick a ball roughly the size of a large grapefruit over a net standing about five feet high. The objective is to make the ball land on the opponent’s side of the court. Known internationally as "kick volleyball," sepak takraw traces its origins to the region and combines agility and acrobatic skill.

Wushu, also called kung fu, represents the traditional Chinese martial arts and has been part of the Asian Games since 1990. Wushu competitions include two main disciplines: taolu, which involves choreographed routines demonstrating attack and defense techniques, and sanda, a full-contact form resembling Chinese kickboxing. Although wushu has been proposed for inclusion in the Olympic program, it has yet to be adopted.

Kurash, a style of folk wrestling with ancient roots in Central Asia, was introduced to the Asian Games in 2018 during the Jakarta-Palembang edition, where Uzbekistan dominated the medal standings in the event. The sport encompasses various traditional wrestling forms and is widely practiced across several countries including Iran, Mongolia, Taiwan, and India, all of which have secured medals in past competitions.

These regional sports continue to enrich the Asian Games by showcasing athletic traditions that often remain unfamiliar outside the continent, offering audiences an opportunity to experience the cultural diversity of Asia’s sporting heritage.