Asian Games 2026: Aichi-Nagoya Opening Ceremony Marks Start of 16-Day Event
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
The 20th Asian Games officially began in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, on Saturday, September 19, with a spectacular opening ceremony attended by athletes, officials and sporting personalities from across Asia.
The ceremony marked the beginning of the 16-day multi-sport competition, which will bring together athletes from 45 countries and regions across dozens of sporting disciplines.
Emperor Naruhito Officially Opens the Games
Japanese Emperor Naruhito formally declared the Asian Games open during the ceremony at Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium.
One of the key moments of the evening was the lighting of the Games cauldron by Olympic hammer throw champion Murofushi Koji and his father, Shigenobu. The elder Murofushi is a five-time Asian champion in the same event.
The opening ceremony was also attended by Empress Masako, Crown Prince and Princess Akishino, and International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry.
More Than 15,000 Athletes to Compete
The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games will feature more than 15,000 athletes representing 45 countries and regions.
Competitors will participate in 43 different disciplines during the event, which is scheduled to continue for 16 days.
The Games provide athletes from across the continent with an opportunity to compete at a major international multi-sport event while representing their respective countries.
Japan Hosts the Asian Games for Third Time
Japan is hosting the Asian Games for the third time.
The country previously staged the continental sporting event in Tokyo in 1958 and Hiroshima in 1994.
For the 2026 edition, Japan’s host delegation includes 933 athletes, making it the largest national team participating in the Games.
The opening ceremony in Aichi-Nagoya officially sets the stage for more than two weeks of competition, with athletes now turning their attention to their respective events and medal opportunities.
