Asiad 2026 Opening Ceremony: Games Officially Declared Open In Aichi-Nagoya By Emperor Naruhito
Japan’s Emperor Naruhito officially declared the 20th Asian Games open at the Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium in Aichi-Nagoya, marking the start of the multisport extravaganza. The vibrant opening ceremony featured traditional performances, the playing of the national anthem, and a colorful athletes' parade. Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Palestine, Nepal, and India—represented by flag-bearers Manu Bhaker and Pawan Sehrawat (who replaced Tajinderpal Singh Toor)—proudly marched through the stadium. Following addresses by OCA President Joaan bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and Aichi Governor Omura Hideaki, the ceremony concluded with the official flag-hoisting and oath-taking.
Japan's Emperor Naruhito, centre, Empress Masako, Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko, right, stand with President of the Asian Games Hideaki Ohmura, left, International Olympic Committee President, Kirsty Coventry and President of the Olympic Council of Asia, Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani at the opening ceremony during the opening ceremony for the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. | Photo: AP/Lee Jin-man
Dancers perform during the opening ceremony for the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. | Photo: AP/Eugene Hoshiko
Japanese flag is carried during the opening ceremony for the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. | Photo: AP/Dita Alangkara
Dancers perform during the opening ceremony for the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. | Photo: AP/Eugene Hoshiko
Japan's flag bearers Fujinami Akari and Nakamura Rimu walk wit teammates into the stadium during the opening ceremony for the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. | Photo: AP/Lee Jin-man
Indian athletes react as they walk into the stadium during the opening ceremony for the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. | Photo: AP/Dita Alangkara
China's flag bearers Wu Yu and Hu Mingxuan walk during the opening ceremony for the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. | Photo: AP/Aaron Favila
India's flag bearers Manu Bhaker and Pawan Kumar walk with teammates into the stadium during the opening ceremony for the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. | Photo: AP/Lee Jin-man
Pakistan's flag bearers Fatima Sana Khan and Noor Zaman and athletes react as they walk into the stadium during the opening ceremony for the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. | Photo: AP/Dita Alangkara
Members of North Korea's contingent walk during the opening ceremony for the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. | Photo: AP/Aaron Favila
Yemen's flag bearers Yasameen Alraimi and Magd Aldhubhani during the opening ceremony for the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. | Photo: AP/Lee Jin-man
Cambodian athletes walk into the stadium during the opening ceremony for the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. | Photo: AP/Dita Alangkara
United Arab Emirates' athletes walk into the stadium during the opening ceremony for the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. | Photo: AP/Lee Jin-man
Indonesian athletes react as they march into the stadium during the opening ceremony for the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. | Photo: AP/Eugene Hoshiko
South Korean athletes react as they walk into the stadium during the opening ceremony for the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. | Photo: AP/Dita Alangkara
Myanmar's flag bearers Aung Hsu Mon and Aung Cho Myint walk with teammates into the stadium during the opening ceremony for the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. | Photo: AP/Eugene Hoshiko
Iranian athletes pose for a group photo during the opening ceremony for the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. | Photo: AP/Eugene Hoshiko
Philippines athletes march into the stadium during the opening ceremony for the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. | Photo: AP/Eugene Hoshiko
Lebanon's flag bearers Maria Chedid and Michael Antoine Yared and athletes react as they walk into the stadium during the opening ceremony for the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. | Photo: AP/Dita Alangkara
Hong Kong's athletes walk into the stadium during the opening ceremony for the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. | Photo: AP/Eugene Hoshiko
Palestinian athletes march into the stadium during the opening ceremony for the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. | Photo: AP/Eugene Hoshiko
Japan's flag bearers Fujinami Akari and Nakamura Rimu walk during the opening ceremony for the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. | Photo: AP/Aaron Favila
Indian athletes react as they walk into the stadium during the opening ceremony for the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. | Photo: AP/Eugene Hoshiko
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