Asian Games open in Nagoya with glitzy ceremony after troubled buildup

NAGOYA, Japan, The 20th Asian Games opened in Nagoya on Saturday, September 19, 2026, with a glittering ceremony of dance and fireworks following a buildup marred by operational gaffes and logistical problems. The event, held at the Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium, marked the beginning of a multi-sport competition that will run until October 4. Over 11,000 athletes from 45 nations and regions are participating, competing for 369 gold medals across 43 sports. Emperor Naruhito declared the Games open after watching the parade of nations at a dignitaries’ table alongside International Olympic Committee chief Kirsty Coventry. His visit with royal family members was accompanied by a heavy security operation, with up to 10,000 police deployed for the ceremony. The opening ceremony, directed by Yukihiko Tsutsumi, began with a subdued tone, featuring classical music and dance on a heart-shaped stage before transitioning into a vibrant celebration with a parade of nations, including a delegation from reclusive North Korea. Olympic Council of Asia President Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani delivered a speech emphasizing the unifying power of sport. “While the world is too often divided by conflict, they (the Asiad athletes) remind us that sport remains a powerful force for peace, understanding and friendship among nations,” he said. Despite the ceremony’s visual appeal, the Games faced mounting challenges in the lead-up. Japan’s reputation for precision and efficiency came under scrutiny as organizers opted for a cost-cutting measure that saw athletes and officials housed in a mix of hotel rooms, temporary wooden containers, and a cruise ship docked in the bay. This arrangement sparked numerous complaints from delegations. Host nation Japan, along with other teams such as South Korea and India, expressed dissatisfaction with the accommodations. South Korea noted that the containers at Garden Pier were too cramped for their basketball players, while India’s cricket board arranged for its star-studded men’s team to stay in a separate hotel due to a shortage of beds. Delegations also reported delays in registration processes and instances of buses arriving late or misdirecting athletes to incorrect venues. The Olympic Council of Asia acknowledged these issues on Saturday but described them as teething problems. The council, which oversees the quadrennial Games, did not provide specific solutions or timelines for resolving the concerns. Team Philippines participated in the Parade of Nations, with Olympic boxing medalist Aira Villegas and weightlifter Albert Ian Delos Santos serving as flag bearers. The country has over 400 athletes competing, aiming to exceed its four-gold tally from the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games. The opening ceremony’s theme, “Harmonic Heart Beat,” aimed to highlight Asian solidarity amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and historical disputes. However, hopes for unity were tested early on. On Friday, Taiwan’s delegation temporarily refused to take part in its welcoming ceremony after sports minister and former Olympic champion Lee Yang was barred from attending. Additionally, the South Korean men’s hockey team expressed frustration when North Korea’s national anthem was played before a match instead of their own. Competitions in basketball, soccer, and other sports have already commenced, with the first gold medal likely to be awarded in the triathlon on Sunday. A high-profile swimming competition in Tokyo begins on Sunday, featuring China’s 100 meters freestyle event among others.