Wrong National Anthems Played Three Times at Asian Para Games in Japan
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
Organisers of the 2026 Asian Para Games in Nagoya, Japan, have come under scrutiny after incorrect national anthems were played on three occasions, prompting the city’s mayor to issue a public apology.
The incidents occurred on Monday during medal ceremonies and a sitting volleyball match, despite organisers having reviewed procedures following similar mistakes at the Asian Games earlier this month.
Nagoya Mayor Ichiro Hirosawa apologised on Wednesday, describing the repeated errors as unacceptable. He said officials had examined previous incidents and taken steps to prevent them from happening again.
The Asian Para Games, which run through Saturday, feature around 4,000 athletes and officials competing across 18 sports.
Anthem Errors During Medal Ceremonies
According to city officials, one incident occurred during a men’s para-taekwondo medal ceremony. A Taiwanese athlete had won the competition, but Iran’s national anthem was played in full instead of the correct anthem.
Officials discovered the mistake after the ceremony had ended.
In a separate incident on the same day, Iran’s national anthem was played during a women’s para-taekwondo medal ceremony while a Mongolian athlete was receiving the gold medal.
The music was stopped after members of the Mongolian delegation identified the error. Organisers subsequently played Mongolia’s national anthem after receiving the correct recording from the delegation.
Incorrect Anthem Broadcast During Volleyball Match
A third mistake occurred before a sitting volleyball match between China and Iran. Organisers played South Korea’s national anthem for approximately five seconds instead of China’s anthem.
The repeated errors raised concerns about event management and the procedures used to verify national anthems during international sporting competitions.
Mayor Hirosawa expressed regret over the incidents and apologised to those affected, saying the mistakes were particularly disappointing given the measures introduced after earlier problems.
He added that, despite the anthem errors, the wider event had otherwise been progressing smoothly.
Asian Games Faced Similar Criticism
The latest incidents follow a series of organisational problems at the Asian Games, which concluded earlier in October.
The event faced criticism over issues including inadequate accommodation for athletes and mistakes involving national anthems.
On September 18, organisers played North Korea’s national anthem for South Korea’s hockey team, triggering criticism over the handling of the ceremony.
The recurrence of similar errors at the Asian Para Games has renewed attention on the importance of accurate preparations and checks at major international sporting events.
Organisers now face renewed pressure to ensure that the remaining competitions proceed smoothly and that athletes receive the appropriate recognition during medal ceremonies.
