Archive · 19 Sep 2026
Asian Games Officials Clash Over Taiwan Ceremony Dispute
A disagreement happened at the Asian Games involving Taiwan.
Taiwan’s sports minister, Lee Yang, was briefly stopped from attending a welcoming ceremony and flag-raising.
The Olympic Council of Asia said this happened because of a misunderstanding.
Taiwanese officials said they wanted their team to be treated fairly and with dignity.
After discussions, Lee was allowed to take part.
The OCA president said politics should not be mixed with sports.
Taiwan competes under the name Chinese Taipei and does not use its own flag at these events.
Taiwanese officials said they hope their athletes can perform well and make Taiwan more visible internationally.
Olympic Council of Asia President Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani said politics had entered the Asian Games.
Taiwanese sports minister Lee Yang was temporarily barred from a welcoming ceremony and flag-raising on Friday.
The Olympic Council of Asia attributed the incident to a misunderstanding, while Taiwan media reported an order had been issued.
Taiwanese officials said they insisted on participating equally and with dignity before Lee was later allowed to attend.
Taiwan competes as Chinese Taipei without its flag because China claims the island.
- Who
- Olympic Council of Asia President Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, Taiwan sports minister Lee Yang, and Chinese Taipei Olympic Committee officials.
- What
- A dispute arose after Lee Yang was temporarily barred from a welcoming ceremony and flag-raising before later being allowed to participate.
- When
- The incident occurred Friday; the OCA president discussed it Saturday before the official opening ceremony.
- Where
- At the Asian Games.
- Why
- The dispute concerned Taiwan’s participation, event protocol, and its representation as Chinese Taipei without its flag.
OCA and Organizers’ Account
Taiwanese Officials’ Account
Cause of the incident
OCA and Organizers’ Account
The Olympic Council of Asia said Lee’s temporary exclusion resulted from a misunderstanding.
Taiwanese Officials’ Account
Taiwanese reports said the OCA had issued an order barring Lee, although officials reportedly could not produce it when asked.
Role of politics in sports
OCA and Organizers’ Account
Sheikh Joaan said politicians and politics should not be involved in sports and that established protocols should be followed.
Taiwanese Officials’ Account
Taiwanese officials said they had to stand firm on their principles and safeguard their rights against what Lee described as suppression.
Participation and dignity
OCA and Organizers’ Account
Lee was later allowed to attend the ceremony after negotiations.
Taiwanese Officials’ Account
Chinese Taipei officials said they sought equal participation and dignity for their delegation and athletes.
- Main official
- Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, president of the Olympic Council of Asia.
- Taiwan representative
- Lee Yang, Taiwan’s sports minister and a two-time Olympic badminton gold medalist.
- Incident
- Lee was temporarily barred from a welcoming ceremony and flag-raising.
- OCA explanation
- The Olympic Council of Asia attributed the incident to a misunderstanding.
- Taiwan’s position
- Officials said they defended their right to participate equally and with dignity.
- Competition name
- Taiwan competes in the Asian Games and Olympics as Chinese Taipei.
- Flag policy
- Taiwan competes without its flag because China claims the island.