The landscape of sports broadcasting in India is undergoing a significant shift as fans look ahead to the next major multi-sport event. Following the conclusion of recent international competitions, clarity has finally emerged regarding where Indian viewers can catch the live action of the 2026 Asian Games. Contrary to widespread expectations, neither Reliance-backed JioCinema nor Amazon Prime Video will hold the primary digital rights for this prestigious tournament.
Sony Sports Network Secures Exclusive Rights
In a major move to solidify its position as a premier sports destination, the Sony Sports Network has confirmed it will be the official broadcaster for the 2026 Asian Games. This means that fans hoping to watch the events on JioCinema—which has recently dominated the streaming space with the IPL and Olympics—will need to switch platforms. Sony has secured both television and digital streaming rights, ensuring that their SonyLIV app will be the central hub for cord-cutters and mobile viewers.
A Shift Away from Jio and Amazon
The exclusion of popular platforms like JioCinema and Amazon Prime characterizes a competitive bidding environment for international sporting events. While Jio has been aggressive in acquiring rights for cricket and global football, Sony continues to maintain a strong grip on multi-disciplinary events like the Asian Games and the Commonwealth Games. For Indian sports enthusiasts, this necessitates a SonyLIV subscription to witness India’s quest for medals in Japan.
Looking Ahead to Aichi-Nagoya 2026
The 20th edition of the Asian Games is scheduled to take place in the Aichi Prefecture and its capital city, Nagoya, in Japan. This marks the third time Japan will host the games, following Tokyo in 1958 and Hiroshima in 1994. The event is expected to feature a diverse array of sports, with India aiming to improve upon its historic “100-plus” medal haul from the previous edition in Hangzhou.
Broadcast coverage is expected to be comprehensive, featuring regional language commentary and dedicated channels for specific disciplines where Indian athletes, particularly in wrestling, shooting, and athletics, are expected to excel. Fans are encouraged to download the SonyLIV app or ensure their cable operators provide access to the Sony Sports hierarchy of channels well in advance of the opening ceremony.
