Nagoya: Japanese Emperor Naruhito declared
the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 officially open at the Nagoya City
Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium, marking the formal start of the 16-day event.
The ceremony, also attended by Empress
Masako, Crown Prince and Crown Princess Akishino, and International Olympic
Committee President Kirsty Coventry, featured Athens 2004 Olympic hammer throw
gold medallist Koji Murofushi and his father, five-time Asian Games champion
Shigenobu, lighting the cauldron, which will burn until the closing ceremony on
October 4. One highlight of the parade of athletes was the arrival of the OCA
Refugee Team, comprising two taekwondo athletes from the Syrian Arab Republic
now living in a refugee camp in Jordan - the first such team in Asian Games
history.
OCA President HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad
Al-Thani said: "Tonight, the eyes of Asia – and indeed much of the world –
turn to Japan. What we will see over the next days will inspire us. It will
move us. And it will remind us of what we are capable of when we come together
for Asia." He thanked the Government of Japan, Aichi Prefecture, Nagoya
City, organising committee AINAGOC, and the Japanese Olympic Committee.
"In Japan, we have a host that prides itself on excellence, discipline and
respect," he added, noting that Aichi-Nagoya 2026 is the third time Japan
has hosted the Asian Games, following Tokyo in 1958 and Hiroshima in 1994.
Mohammed Saadon Al Kuwari and Reem Al
Sharshani carried the Qatari flag at the opening ceremony. The Aichi-Nagoya Games
bring together more than 11,000 athletes from 45 Asian nations and regions,
featuring 469 events across 43 sports and 71 disciplines, with athletes
competing for 1,407 medals. Qatar has sent a 427-member delegation, including
243 athletes - 184 men and 59 women - competing in 26 sports and 32 disciplines
under 18 sports federations.
Separately, HE Sheikh Joaan visited the Main Press Centre and International Broadcast Centre, accompanied by IOC President Kirsty Coventry. He toured facilities, reviewed technical equipment and broadcast operations, and met with nine young reporters participating in the OCA's "Asian Games for All" project, learning about their experiences covering the Games.
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