The 2026 Asian Games begin in Nagoya with a spectacular opening ceremony

The 20th Asian Games officially began in Nagoya on Saturday with a colorful and technically advanced opening ceremony at the Mizuho Park Athletics Stadium.Japan’s Emperor Naruhito officially declared the Games open in the presence of Empress Masako, members of the Japanese Imperial Family, Olympic Council of Asia President Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani and International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry.

The ceremony begins with the Japanese national anthem

The two-hour ceremony began with the Japanese national anthem, followed by the raising of the national flag.Nine members of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces carried the flag onto the stage before it was raised. The stadium then went dark and the spotlights shone on the Japanese national flag.

Reuters photo

The ceremony was followed by a parade of athletes, which included teams from 45 countries and the OCA Refugee Team.Afghanistan was the first team to enter the parade, while China, one of Asia’s biggest sporting powers, attracted attention with a contingent of more than 800 athletes.

Asian Games with 469 gold medals

The Asian Games will be held from September 19 to October 4.Nagoya’s Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium will host the opening and closing ceremonies.Around 11,000 athletes from 45 countries and the OCA Refugee Team are taking part in the continental event. They will compete in 43 events for 469 gold medals.

Manu Bhaker, Pawan Sehrawat lead India

Two-time Olympic medalist Manu Bhaker and 2022 Asian Games kabaddi gold player Pawan Sehrawat led the Indian contingent during the parade. The pair proudly wore the tricolor and wore traditional navy blue attire.Sehrawat replaced bowler Tajinderpal Singh Toor as India’s flag bearer after Toor did not receive his ceremonial kit in time.India has sent a 501-member contingent to the Asian Games.

Photo by PTI

India aims to improve performance in Hangzhou

India will be looking to build on its best ever performance at the Asian Games in Hangzhou in 2023. The country won 106 medals, including 28 gold, to finish fourth in the standings.Some events started even before the opening ceremony.In women’s cricket, Harmanpreet Kaur-led India reached the semi-finals after beating hosts Japan by eight wickets on Friday.India is also in medal contention in teqball, which is making its Asian Games debut. Quimcy D’Souza lost the women’s singles semi-final on Saturday and will now challenge for the bronze medal.