The 20th Asian Games officially opened in Nagoya, Japan, on September 19, bringing together more than 11,000 athletes from 45 countries and regions for 16 days of competition.
The opening ceremony was held at the Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium, marking the formal start of the continental sporting event, which will continue through October 4. The Games feature 43 sports, 71 disciplines and 469 medal events, with 1,407 medals scheduled to be awarded.
Opening Ceremony Highlights Asian Unity
Athletes and delegations from across Asia took part in the opening ceremony, with national flags displayed and teams participating in the traditional parade of delegations.
The participating National Olympic Committees include Pakistan, India, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Sri Lanka, Palestine and Afghanistan, among others. The official participant list includes 45 countries and regions, alongside an OCA Refugee Team.
The official motto of the Aichi-Nagoya Games is “Imagine One Asia,” reflecting the event’s emphasis on bringing athletes and people from across the continent together through sport.
Japan is hosting the Asian Games for the third time, following the 1958 Tokyo Games and the 1994 Games in Hiroshima.
Competition Underway Across 43 Sports
The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games will run from September 19 to October 4, although several competitions began before the opening ceremony.
The 43-sport programme includes 71 disciplines and 469 medal events. Athletes will compete across venues in Aichi-Nagoya and other locations as part of the 16-day sporting programme.
The event is being organised by the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games Organising Committee in cooperation with the Olympic Council of Asia.
With more than 11,000 athletes expected to compete, the Games represent one of the largest multi-sport gatherings in Asia and will feature athletes from across the continent competing for medals through October 4.