Archive · 19 Sep 2026
Asian Games Open in Nagoya as India Chases Hangzhou Success
The Asian Games have started in Nagoya, Japan.
Athletes from many Asian countries are competing in lots of sports.
The opening ceremony lasted about two hours and used music, Japanese traditions, lights, and technology.
Emperor Naruhito attended and declared the Games open.
Manu Bhaker and Pawan Sehrawat carried India’s flag.
Reports disagree about whether India sent 501 or 503 people.
India’s women’s cricket team reached the semifinals after beating Japan.
Quimcy D’Souza can still win a bronze medal in teqball after losing her semifinal.
India hopes to do as well as or better than it did at the 2023 Games.
The 20th Asian Games opened in Nagoya with a two-hour ceremony combining Japanese traditions and high-tech visuals.
Emperor Naruhito declared the Games open, with other Japanese and international sporting officials attending.
India’s contingent was reported as either 501 or 503 members and was led by Manu Bhaker and Pawan Sehrawat.
India’s women’s cricket team reached the semifinals by defeating hosts Japan by eight wickets.
About 11,000 athletes from 45 countries and the OCA Refugee Team will compete across 43 sports for 469 gold medals.
- Who
- Athletes from 45 countries, the OCA Refugee Team, and around 11,000 competitors are participating; Manu Bhaker and Pawan Sehrawat led India’s contingent.
- What
- The 20th Asian Games officially opened, while India recorded early progress in women’s cricket and teqball.
- When
- The opening ceremony took place on Saturday, and the Games are scheduled for September 19 through October 4.
- Where
- Nagoya, Japan, with the opening and closing ceremonies at Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium.
- Why
- The Games are being held as a major continental sporting competition, while India aims to build on its record 106-medal performance at the 2023 Hangzhou Games.
Favorable View
Critical View
Opening ceremony atmosphere
Favorable View
The ceremony was described as colourful, vibrant, spectacular, and high-tech, with traditional Japanese elements and a formal flag ceremony.
Critical View
Reports also said the ceremony lacked the usual fanfare and took place before several vacant sections of the stadium after a turbulent buildup.
Size of India’s contingent
Favorable View
One report states that India is sending a 503-member contingent.
Critical View
Two other accounts identify the contingent as 501 members, leaving the reported total unresolved.
Who formally opened the Games
Favorable View
One account says the Games would be formally inaugurated in the presence of Japan’s Crown Prince.
Critical View
Other accounts say Emperor Naruhito declared the Games open.
- Host city
- Nagoya, Japan
- Opening venue
- Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium
- Ceremony
- A two-hour ceremony featuring traditional Japanese elements, high-tech visuals, and the national flag ceremony
- Indian contingent
- Reported as 501 members in two accounts and 503 members in another
- Indian flag-bearers
- Manu Bhaker and Pawan Sehrawat; Sehrawat replaced Tajinderpal Singh Toor
- Early Indian results
- Women’s cricket defeated Japan by eight wickets; Quimcy D’Souza advanced to the teqball bronze-medal match
- Games scale
- Around 11,000 athletes, 45 countries, the OCA Refugee Team, 43 sports, and 469 gold medals
- India’s previous result
- India won 106 medals, including 28 gold, at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games
