NAGOYA, Japan: The 20th Asian Games began in Japan with a spectacular opening ceremony, marking the start of a major continental sporting event featuring record participation and more athletes than the Olympic Games.
The Games, hosted by Nagoya and Aichi prefecture, will run until October 4, with around 17,000 athletes and officials taking part across more than 40 sports. A total of 469 gold medals are expected to be awarded during the competition.
Wide range of sports
The first gold medal is expected to be decided on Sunday, likely in the men’s individual triathlon, with competitions already under way in several sports including football, basketball and cricket.
The event features traditional Olympic disciplines such as athletics and swimming alongside popular Asian sports including kabaddi and sepak takraw.
Organisers have also included newer competitions to attract younger audiences, with eSports, breakdancing and BMX cycling among the featured events. Padel and mixed martial arts will make their Asian Games debuts.
Japan faces challenges
The opening ceremony comes after a difficult preparation period for organisers, who faced challenges in arranging accommodation and transport for the large number of participants.
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Unlike previous editions, there is no traditional athletes’ village. Competitors are staying in temporary accommodation, hotels and the cruise ship Costa Serena.
Recent heavy rainfall in Nagoya caused flooding in parts of the city, while an approaching tropical storm could affect events.
Despite the difficulties, organisers have described the Games as a major sporting showcase.
Medal race begins
China enters the competition as the leading medal contender after winning 201 gold medals at the previous Asian Games in Hangzhou. The country has sent more than 800 athletes, including 36 Olympic champions.
Hosts Japan will rely on Olympic champions such as gymnast Shinnosuke Oka and javelin thrower Haruka Kitaguchi.
Cricket is also expected to attract attention, with India and Pakistan potentially meeting in the final if weather conditions allow.
