Ayo Victor
Nagoya: His Majesty Emperor Naruhito of Japan officially declared the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 open at the Athletics Stadium in Mizuho Park, in the presence of Empress Masako, Crown Prince Akishino, Crown Princess Kiko, and International Olympic Committee member Kirsty Coventry, along with senior officials and sports leaders from across the continent.
President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and President of the Qatar Olympic Committee H.E. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani attended the ceremony and delivered an address highlighting the significance of the Games for Asia and the world.
In his remarks, H.E. Sheikh Joaan emphasised that the eyes of Asia and the global sporting community are turned towards Japan. He noted that the events of the coming days would inspire the peoples of the continent and demonstrate what can be achieved when Asia unites through sport.
On behalf of the OCA and the 45 National Olympic Committees, he expressed gratitude to the Government of Japan, Aichi Prefecture, the City of Nagoya, the Aichi-Nagoya Organising Committee, and the Japanese Olympic Committee for their tremendous efforts in staging the Games.
He praised Japan as a nation that cherishes excellence, discipline and respect, blending deep-rooted traditions with modern aspirations. Japan, he said, has always been at the forefront of global sport and has risen to the challenge whenever the world has needed it.
Reflecting on his personal connection with the Asian Games, H.E. Sheikh Joaan stated: “Each of us has a unique journey with these Games. My own began as a torchbearer at Doha 2006; twenty years later, I stand before you today as President of the Olympic Council of Asia. Throughout these two decades, I have witnessed firsthand the profound impact these Games create.”
He concluded: “Japan has set the stage, and now the time has come for Asia to inspire the world once again.”
The Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Games feature 11,000 athletes from 45 National Olympic Committees competing in 43 sports and 469 events, with competition continuing until October 4 under the slogan “Imagine One Asia.” The opening ceremony performance, titled “Harmonious Heartbeat,” embodied themes of unity, closeness and coexistence among the peoples of Asia through sport, culture and art.
Qatar is represented by a strong delegation of 427 members, including 243 athletes (184 men and 59 women), technical and administrative staff, and media personnel. Qatari athletes will compete in 26 sports and 32 disciplines across 18 sports federations. The Qatari flag was carried during the parade of nations by Mohammed Saadon Al-Kuwari and Reem Al-Sharshani, a moment of national pride as “Al-Adaam” flew high in the skies of Nagoya.
H.E. Jassim bin Rashid Al-Buenain, Secretary-General of the Qatar Olympic Committee, described the opening ceremony as exceptional, noting that it showcased the spirit of unity and solidarity among Asian athletes while highlighting Nagoya’s industrial heritage.
In a press statement, Al-Buenain said: “We look forward to a participation that befits the State of Qatar and its sporting stature. We have been committed to providing the best possible conditions for our athletes, and we hope this preparation will be reflected in their performance during the competitions through the achievement of the desired results.”
He added that the Qatari contingent takes pride in its athletes, who bear the responsibility of representing the country, and expressed confidence in their ability to demonstrate sportsmanship, determination and the resolve to achieve the best possible results. Competition would be fierce, he noted, given the presence of the continent’s elite athletes, but the goal remains for every competitor to enter the arena with confidence and focus.
H.E. Sheikh Joaan later visited the Main Press Centre and International Broadcast Centre, accompanied by Kirsty Coventry, Chair of the IOC Coordination Commission. They toured the facilities, reviewing technical equipment, modern technologies and innovative solutions for content production, broadcast management and media coverage. The pair also met nine young reporters participating in the OCA’s “Asian Games for All” programme, learning about their experiences and the initiative’s role in developing the next generation of sports journalists.
In a separate media session, H.E. Sheikh Joaan held an extensive dialogue with representatives covering the Games, discussing the Asian Olympic movement, the role of sport in fostering unity, and the OCA’s vision for the continued development of sport across the continent. He stressed the importance of optimal conditions for athletes and the media’s vital role in conveying the values of the Asian Games.
As competition begins in earnest, several Qatari teams and athletes are set for action. The national handball team, seeking a fourth consecutive Asian Games gold after triumphs in Incheon 2014, Jakarta 2018 and Hangzhou 2022, faces Hong Kong in its Group A opener. The side is drawn with Japan, China and Hong Kong and aims for a strong start towards the quarter-finals.
Qatar’s swimming team of seven athletes, including Mohamed Mahmoud, Ali Tamer and Abdullah Al-Ghamri, begins its campaign in individual events. The men’s table tennis team faces China, while the women’s side meets Thailand and then China. In karate, Abdulrahman Mustafa competes in the men’s under-60kg category as part of a three-athlete contingent prepared through the Gulf Games and a training camp in Egypt.
The women’s beach volleyball Team 1, comprising Haya Abu-Issa and Laila Mohammed, faces host Japan, while shooting opens with the women’s air rifle events featuring Al-Maha Al-Ali and Retaj Al-Yafei. The women’s volleyball team contests a placement match against the Philippines after group-stage results.
With the curtain raised on Aichi-Nagoya 2026, Team Qatar enters the fray determined to deliver performances that reflect the progress of Qatari sport and add to the nation’s proud record on the continental stage.