Asian Games open in Japan in style after troubled build-up

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, September 20, 2026

The 20th Asian Games began in Nagoya, Japan, on September 19, 2026, featuring 17,000 athletes competing across more than 40 sports and serving as a qualifier for the 2028 Olympics. Despite logistical challenges, weather disruptions, and accommodation issues, the event highlights emerging sports and a strong competitive field, with China expected to lead the medal count and cricket making a notable return.

The 20th Asian Games officially commenced in Nagoya, Japan, on September 19, 2026, following a challenging lead-up marked by logistical and weather-related difficulties. The event, which runs through October 4, features 17,000 athletes competing in more than 40 sports, making it larger than the Olympic Games in terms of participants.

The first gold medal is expected to be awarded in the men’s individual triathlon on the morning of September 20, with a total of 469 medals to be contested across the tournament. The Games also serve as a qualifier, offering 2,028 Olympic quota places across seven sports. High-profile athletes from across Asia are participating, including tennis prodigy Alexandra Eala of the Philippines, Indian cricket sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, and Chinese swimmer Yu Zidi, who at 13 will compete in the women’s 200m butterfly heats.

Despite the anticipation, organizers have faced numerous hurdles. The absence of a traditional athletes’ village prompted organizers to accommodate competitors in temporary container-style huts, local hotels, and aboard the cruise ship Costa Serena, a cost-saving measure that has drawn criticism. Several teams have expressed concerns over the quality of the accommodations, citing issues such as beds being too short. Transportation problems also led to some athletes being stranded at airports.

Weather has further complicated preparations. Nagoya experienced record flooding last week, and a tropical storm is forecast to affect eastern Japan on September 20 and 21, potentially disrupting events and travel. A notable incident occurred when North Korea’s national anthem was mistakenly played for South Korea’s men’s hockey team, prompting a formal complaint from South Korea’s coach Min Tae-seok. Additionally, India had to appoint kabaddi player Pawan Sehrawat as its flag bearer for the opening ceremony after shot-putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor’s ceremonial attire failed to arrive.

The Games showcase a blend of Olympic staples such as athletics, swimming, basketball, and football alongside regionally popular sports like sepak takraw and kabaddi. In efforts to engage younger audiences, new additions include e-sports, breakdancing, and BMX cycling, while padel and mixed martial arts make their Asian Games debuts.

Host nation Japan is counting on its Olympic champions, including gymnast Shinnosuke Oka and javelin thrower Haruka Kitaguchi, to deliver strong performances. North Korea is fielding more than 100 athletes across 14 sports with the stated goal of bringing pride to leader Kim Jong-un. China, which dominated the previous Asian Games in 2023 with 201 gold medals, has sent over 800 athletes, including 36 Olympic champions, and is widely expected to top the medal tally once again.

Cricket draws particular attention as it returns to the Games, with India aiming to make a statement ahead of the sport’s anticipated inclusion in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. India and Pakistan could potentially meet in the final at Nagoya’s newly constructed cricket venue, though weather disruptions remain a concern.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.