The Asian Games 2026 officially opened in Japan on Saturday, with Emperor Naruhito declaring the continental sporting event underway in Nagoya.
The opening ceremony took place at a 30,000-capacity stadium in Aichi prefecture. However, many seats remained empty as a subdued crowd watched the colourful ceremony on a heart-shaped stage.
Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako received a respectful welcome as they joined International Olympic Committee president Kirsty Coventry. Soon afterward, polite applause followed the emperor’s formal declaration.
More than 11,000 athletes and around 6,000 officials are taking part. They will compete across more than 40 sports before the Games close on October 4.
Nagoya Games face difficult build-up
The Asian Games 2026 faced several problems before the opening ceremony.
Organisers have had to accommodate thousands of athletes and officials without using a traditional athletes’ village. Instead, competitors are staying in temporary container-style accommodation, hotels and the cruise ship Costa Serena.
Meanwhile, heavy rain caused flooding in parts of Nagoya last week. In addition, a typhoon approaching eastern Japan could create further disruption during the competition.
Transport problems have also caused difficulties. Some athletes were stranded at the airport after buses failed to arrive. Furthermore, several teams complained about the quality of the temporary accommodation, including beds that were reportedly too short.
Another incident occurred on Friday when North Korea’s national anthem was played for South Korea’s men’s hockey team.
China expected to lead medal race
Despite the problems, the ceremony featured athletes from 45 countries and territories.
The Olympic Council of Asia praised Japan for hosting the event. OCA president Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani referred to Japan’s handling of the Covid-delayed Tokyo Olympics in 2021 and described those Games as a showcase of resilience and hospitality.
China received one of the loudest receptions as its athletes entered the stadium. The country will again target a strong medal haul after dominating the previous Asian Games in Hangzhou.
China won 201 gold medals and 383 medals overall in 2023.
Young stars take centre stage
The Asian Games 2026 will combine Olympic sports with several events that have strong regional followings.
Athletics and swimming will feature alongside sports such as sepak takraw and kabaddi. Additionally, eSports, breakdancing and BMX cycling are on the programme.
Padel and mixed martial arts will also make their Asian Games debuts.
Several young athletes are attracting attention. Philippine tennis star Alexandra Eala is among the competitors, while 15-year-old Indian cricketer Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and 13-year-old Chinese swimmer Yu Zidi are also in the spotlight.
Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting will compete as well. She won Olympic gold in Paris in 2024 after facing an international dispute over her eligibility.
India and Pakistan could meet in cricket
Cricket is another major attraction at the Games.
Sooryavanshi will join India’s team as the sport continues its return to the Olympic programme at Los Angeles 2028. India could also face traditional rivals Pakistan in the Asian Games final.
However, the match schedule could be affected by weather. Therefore, organisers and teams will be watching conditions closely as competition begins.
The first gold medal is expected to be awarded on Sunday morning, with the men’s individual triathlon among the early events.
For now, Japan has officially opened an Asian Games that combines major sporting ambitions with the logistical challenges of hosting one of the world’s largest multi-sport events.
