20th Asian Games officially open in Aichi-Nagoya
The 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 officially got underway on 19 September with a spectacular Opening Ceremony celebrating sport, culture and unity, as thousands of athletes from across Asia came together for one of the world’s largest multi-sport events.
His Majesty Emperor Naruhito officially declared the Games open during the ceremony in Nagoya, which was attended by representatives of the Olympic Movement, including IOC President Kirsty Coventry and Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) President Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani.
The Opening Ceremony marked the beginning of more than two weeks of competition bringing together approximately 11,000 athletes representing 45 National Olympic Committees (NOCs).
Athletes will compete across 43 sports, 71 disciplines and 469 medal events, showcasing the extraordinary diversity and strength of sport across the Asian continent.
In his address during the ceremony, OCA President Sheikh Joaan welcomed the athletes and participating delegations to Japan and highlighted the values of unity, friendship and respect that lie at the heart of the Asian Games.
A particularly significant moment in the history of the Games was the participation of the OCA Refugee Team for the first time at an Asian Games Opening Ceremony, reflecting the inclusive power of sport and the Olympic Movement.
The ceremony combined Japanese culture and tradition with contemporary performances before culminating in the lighting of the Asian Games cauldron by Japanese sporting figures Koji Murofushi and Shigenobu Murofushi.
For the 45 participating NOCs, the Opening Ceremony represented the culmination of months and years of preparation and the beginning of an exciting journey for their athletes in Aichi-Nagoya.
The 20th Asian Games will provide athletes from across Asia with the opportunity to compete on one of international sport’s biggest stages, while celebrating the role of NOCs in supporting athletes and promoting the Olympic values in their respective countries and territories.
Competition will now continue across Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya, with the Games bringing together the Asian sporting community for an unforgettable celebration of sport.
