India-Pakistan cricket final, hockey semifinal ensured Asian Games 2026 had highest viewership ever: OCA

India defended its gold medal in men’s cricket after defeating Pakistan by 19 runs in the final, while India edged past Pakistan 4-3 in the hockey semifinal.  | Photo Credit: RV MOORTHY

The Asian Games 2026 recorded its highest broadcast viewership thanks to the India-Pakistan cricket final and semifinal, the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) said on Sunday.

India defended its gold medal in men’s cricket after defeating Pakistan by 19 runs in the final, while India edged past Pakistan 4-3 in the hockey semifinal.

India defeated Malaysia 5-1 in the final for its second consecutive Asian Games gold medal in men’s hockey.

“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 at a press conference.

Ikram, however did not reveal specific viewership figures, and which game recorded more views.

“For the very first time, the OCA demonstrated a safeguarding principle in these Games. From all aspects it was a safe Games -- for athletes, for Asian federations and for the National Olympic Committees.”