Damascus, Sept. 18 (SANA)The Syrian esports team is continuing preparations for its inaugural participation in the 2026 Asian Games (“Asiad 2026”), which kicks off Saturday in Japan and runs through Oct. 4.

The broader Syrian sports delegation comprises 10 male and five female athletes competing across nine sports: wrestling, judo, kurash, karate, rhythmic gymnastics, table tennis, shooting, athletics, andesports.

High Committee for Esports Chairman Mohammad Saeed Sharaf told SANA that the four-player esports squad’s debut offers an important opportunity to compete at the international level. He noted that professional player pathways begin locally through events like the Syrian Digital League before squad selection for regional and international events.

The team features national champion Muawiya al-Hammadi competing inTekken 8, Ayman Makhzouma ineFootball, alongside Hazar Saloum and Nour al-Saadi, who are undergoing intensive preparation to face top Asian competition from countries includingJapan,South Korea, andChina.

High Committee Secretary Ibrahim Tawil noted that development faces technical and logistical challenges, primarily regarding equipment and suitable infrastructure, while team manager Omar Naqqa highlighted the rapid global expansion of esports.

More than 11,000 athletes representing 45 nations are participating in the 20th edition of the Asian Games in Japan.