The president of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, acknowledged that politics have made an appearance at the ongoing Asian Games, held this year amid a packed schedule accommodating over 17,000 athletes and officials. Speaking on the eve of the official opening ceremony, Sheikh Joaan expressed disapproval of political interference in the sporting event, referencing a recent incident involving Taiwan’s sports minister, Lee Yang.

The controversy arose on Friday when Lee Yang was initially barred from participating in a welcoming ceremony and flag-raising event. The OCA later attributed the episode to a misunderstanding, allowing Lee to take part subsequently. “I don’t think, you know, the politicians or politics should be involved in sports,” Sheikh Joaan said in a media briefing during the Games. He emphasized that all delegations are aware of the established protocol regarding such occasions and indicated that the OCA has mechanisms to address similar issues if they arise in the future.

Lee Yang, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in badminton, clinched his titles in 2020 and 2024 by defeating Chinese pairs in the finals. Taiwan competes in the Asian Games and the Olympics under the name “Chinese Taipei” and without its national flag, due to China’s sovereignty claims over the island.

Taiwanese media reported that the OCA had issued a directive barring Lee Yang from the ceremony, a claim for which Taiwan officials requested to see the formal order but were reportedly unable to obtain it. Chen Shih-kwei, vice president of the Chinese Taipei Olympic Committee, stated that Taiwan chose to “stick to our principles” and demanded that the local organizing committee and OCA uphold the Olympic spirit to ensure equal and dignified participation for Taiwanese athletes. He noted that negotiations followed this stance, with Taiwanese representatives maintaining their position on dignity and principles.

Lee Yang, speaking to Taiwanese reporters after the dispute, affirmed that his delegation is committed to safeguarding their rights and resisting any form of suppression. He expressed hope that more Taiwanese athletes would perform well at the Games, enhancing Taiwan’s visibility on the international stage.

The incident highlights the ongoing sensitivity surrounding Taiwan’s status in international sports, where political considerations often intersect with athletic competition. The OCA’s acknowledgment of the issue reflects the challenges organizers face in navigating these complexities while aiming to preserve the integrity of the Games.