OCA MVP awards spotlight rising Asian sport icons for 2026 Games

The Olympic Council of Asia’s five‑member panel selected two young athletes as the 2026 Asian Games Most Valuable Players. China’s teenage swimmer Yu Ji‑Di and Thailand’s sprinter Puripol Boonsun were recognized for their record‑setting performances and gold‑medal hauls. Their prize package includes a $25,000 cash award each. The panel, chaired by OCA officials and sport journalists, noted that both athletes could become leading figures on the international stage as the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics approach. Past MVPs have included Japanese swimmers Koji Ito and Kosuke Kitajima, and Chinese champions Park Tae‑Hwan and Lin Dan.