Behind the Scenes at Asian Games

Games Experience Programme (GEP)

Written by
Isabelle Lee Ern Swan, Fencing, IBDP, Year 5


This September, I had the honour to attend the Games Experience Programme (GEP) held by the World Academy of Sports in Aichi-Nagoya. I had a great time in Nagoya together with my classmates Sophie Tan and Neo Kaiqi, and Secondary 4 student-athletes Joseph Kwok, Toh Jun Wei and Seychelles Lim. This initiative was proposed by Asian Games Acting Director General, Mr Yosuhiro Nakamori, and was held from 29 September to 2 October 2026. His aim was to provide the younger generation with a unique opportunity to learn about international sporting events.

As the Asian Games is one of the largest multi-sport events in the world, I felt happy to be there learning about sport management, event operations and the legacy of such Major Games. Beyond playing as an athlete in a Major Game or a small competition, there is much more that goes on behind the scenes to make the event a success. The programme was held at Shigakkann University, and each day, we presented group reflections and about a few hours of lessons on a range of topics that covered event management, marketing and sponsorships, sustainability in sports, athletes’ lives and experiences and the legacy of sports. During the group reflections, we brainstormed many ideas and put ourselves in the shoes of an event planner for the Major Game or a sponsorship company.

Besides our sharing held in the classroom, we were given the opportunity to enter the Asian Games squash competition venue to spectate squash games and hear insights about managing such an event from Mr Cyrus Poncha, Technical Director of the International Squash Federation, also a recipient of Coach of the Year six times, which is awarded by the Asia Squash Federation. He also shared the importance of  mobile squash courts, the setup of the lighting around the squash courts, and the use of a white-coloured ball, which is best for television.

On the second-last day of the programme, we visited the Asian Games celebration area. The set-up of the celebration area was also meant to present medals to the winners and allow them to interact with the community and general public. The visit was so memorable as we also got to see sponsorship, marketing and large-scale management in action. We were even invited on stage to showcase Singapore. At the celebration area, Acting Director General, Mr Yosuhiro Nakamori specially came to meet us.

Hearing valuable stories and information from Mr Nakamori himself was truly inspiring. We learnt about the years of planning and many different aspects to consider when hosting a sporting event. The organisers had to consider a wide range of factors: different stakeholders and their goals, the venue, the transport services, accommodation and budget. His sharing allowed me to reflect, especially on the importance of communication and leadership in making an event successful.

This programme has opened my eyes to many viable career opportunities in the world of sports after my athletic career, and I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in it.