Nagoya, Japan, has faced renewed criticism after the incorrect national anthems were played multiple times during the Asian Para Games, which are ongoing through October 24. This marks a repetition of issues that also marred the recently concluded Asian Games held in the Aichi prefecture earlier this month.
On October 19, officials mistakenly played Iran’s national anthem during the medal ceremony for a Taiwanese athlete who won gold in men’s para taekwondo. Later the same day, the Iranian anthem was again played at the women’s para taekwondo medal ceremony, this time intended for a Mongolian gold medalist. The error was only corrected after the Mongolian delegation pointed it out, allowing the correct anthem to be played thereafter. In a separate incident, during a sitting volleyball match between China and Iran, the South Korean anthem was briefly broadcast instead of China’s.
Nagoya Mayor Ichiro Hirosawa issued an apology on October 21, expressing regret over the repeated mistakes despite prior commitments to prevent them following similar errors during the Asian Games. “These things happened during the Asian Games, of course, the operations were reviewed and examined based on the lessons learnt. The fact that it happened again is really just unacceptable,” he said during a press conference. The mayor also expressed frustration but noted that aside from the anthem errors, the Para Games were progressing smoothly.
These incidents follow significant criticism and operational problems during the Asian Games, which wrapped up earlier in October. Organizers faced complaints ranging from inadequate accommodation to protocol failures, including the playing of the North Korean anthem for the South Korean hockey team and the incomplete raising of South Korea’s flag after a football victory over Japan. The Korea Basketball Association described the Games as "the worst it has ever been," citing poor conditions like beds that were too short for athletes.
The organizers attributed at least some of the anthem errors to technical difficulties with music software. Plans originally included the construction of an athletes’ village, but rising expenses led to competitors being housed in hotels, temporary wooden units, and even a cruise ship.
Japan has a history of efficiently hosting sports events, such as the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, making the scale of problems at the Asian Games and Asian Para Games particularly notable. The Asian Games are among the world’s largest multisport events, with participation exceeding even the Summer Olympics.
Despite repeated apologies, these incidents have overshadowed the competitions and raised questions about event management as the Para Games continue in Nagoya. Officials have indicated they are reviewing procedures to avoid further errors.