Asian Olympics chief urges politicians to stay away from games after row with Lee Yang

Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) President Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani has called for politics to stay out of sports following Taiwanese Sports Minister Lee Yang’s impasse at the Nagoya Asian Games.

Lee, a former Olympic badminton champion, was initially barred from attending the flag-raising ceremony on Friday. The Taiwanese delegation then refused to attend the event in protest, with the ceremony finally starting more than an hour later after Lee was allowed inside.

“I think the focus here is on the athletes and making sure that everyone, all the athletes, have equal rights in competition and freedom,” Sheikh Joaan told a news conference in Nagoya.

“So I don’t think politicians or politics should be involved in sports. That’s my opinion.”

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The OCA president said he did not know the details of the incident, but insisted that athletes and their participation should remain the focus of the Asian Games.

OCA ORDERS CEREMONIAL FLAG TIES

OCA Director General Husain Al-Musallam said the flag-raising ceremony was organized for the participants of the Games and was not intended for government representatives.

“(It’s not) for a delegation from the ministry or from the government,” Al-Musallam said.

Lee was later allowed to attend the ceremony after initial disagreements. Taiwan’s cabinet criticized the incident as “unreasonable obstruction” and said the minister had secured the necessary credentials to enter.

The controversy comes as the Aichi-Nagoya Games face other organizational problems. Several delegations raised issues regarding transportation and accommodation for athletes during the event.

OCA COMMITS TO NAGOYA’S EXTENDED PROGRAM

Sheikh Joaan defended local organizers over accommodation issues, saying efforts were made to resolve issues as they arose.

“I hope everything is back on track,” he said.

The Games have a record 43 sports and 469 medal events, making the Asian Games program bigger than the Summer Olympics, which features 32 sports and 329 events.

The OCA has championed an expanded schedule that includes virtual taekwondo for the first time, while breaking and esports remain part of the program.

“We are very proud that the Asian Games (is) bigger than any other low-cost games,” Al-Musallam said.

Organizers will now look to address operational issues while ensuring the focus remains on the athletes and the sporting competition.

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Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

19 Sep 2026 11:24 IST