Japan’s Emperor Naruhito officially inaugurated the 20th Asian Games on Saturday at a vibrant ceremony in Nagoya, heralding the start of one of the continent’s largest multi-sport events. Held in a stadium with a 30,000-person capacity, the opening was attended by dignitaries including Empress Masako and International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry.
The competition brings together over 11,000 athletes from 45 countries and territories, competing in more than 40 sports disciplines ranging from traditional athletics and swimming to kabaddi, sepak takraw, and the recently included eSports, breakdancing, and BMX cycling. The Games also mark the debut of padel and mixed martial arts on the Asian sports stage.
The first set of gold medals is expected to be awarded on Sunday, as the Games continue through October 4. Despite its promising start, the event has encountered organizational hurdles, including recent heavy flooding in Nagoya, transportation issues, and lodging complaints from some teams.
Beyond the immediate competition, the Asian Games hold additional importance as they provide qualification opportunities for the 2028 Olympics in seven sports, offering athletes a chance to secure their place in future Olympic contests.
Sporting powerhouses like India, China, and Japan are among the nations vying for top honors, with several young athletes poised to gain prominence throughout the tournament.