Asian Games 2026 set to open in Japan after turbulent build-up

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Former Olympian shooter Anjali Bhagwat, centre right, and former athlete Lijo David, centre left, during the official welcome and flag-hoisting ceremony for the Indian contingent ahead of the 20th Asian Games, in Nagoya, Japan on September 18, 2026 | Photo Credit: PTI

The 20th Asian Games will open in Japan on Saturday (September 19, 2026) with a glittering ceremony following a stuttering build-up to a multi-sport spectacular that has more participants than the Olympics.

The first gold medal will be won on Sunday (September 20) morning, likely in the men’s individual triathlon, and will be followed by 468 more in more than 40 sports before the curtain comes down on October 4.

The event in Nagoya and Aichi prefecture has 2028 Olympics places up for grabs in seven sports and will be graced by global stars.

The 17,000 participants, more than the Olympics, stretched organisers to the limit as they scrambled to find accommodation for everyone.

To save money there is no traditional athletes’ village, competitors instead staying in a combination of temporary container-style huts , hotels and cruise ship the Costa Serena.

To add to the issues, there was a record deluge last week which flooded parts of Nagoya city and now a tropical storm is approaching eastern Japan that could cause further disruption on Sunday (September 20) and Monday (September 21).

Some athletes were left stranded at the airport when transport failed to turn up and several teams have complained about the quality of the huts, including the beds being too short.

In the latest mishap, North Korea’s national anthem was played on Friday (September 18) for South Korea’s men’s hockey team.

“This is a really serious problem,” said South Korea coach Min Tae-seok.

On Saturday (September 19), with the opening ceremony hours away, India drafted in a new flag-bearer after shot-putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor’s luggage did not have his ceremonial kit.

Organisers are insisting that the latest edition of the Games, which were first held in 1951, will be “the most spectacular for generations”.

Basketball, football and cricket are among the sports already under way.