Asian Games set to open in Japan after a troubled build-up

The 20th Asian Games will officially open in Japan later Saturday with a spectacular opening ceremony, following a troubled build-up to the multi-sport event, which is set to feature more participants than the Olympics.

The first gold medal is expected to be awarded on Sunday morning, most likely in the men’s individual triathlon. A further 468 gold medals will then be contested across more than 40 sports before the Games conclude on October 4.

The event, being held in Nagoya and Aichi prefecture, will also offer Olympic qualification opportunities for the 2028 Los Angeles Games in seven sports and feature several internationally recognised athletes.

However, preparations have been marred by a series of logistical problems.

With around 17,000 participants expected to attend — more than at the Olympics — organisers have faced major challenges in arranging accommodation. In an effort to cut costs, the Games do not have a traditional athletes’ village. Instead, competitors are being housed in temporary container-style units, hotels and the Costa Serena cruise ship.

Weather has added to the difficulties. A record downpour last week caused flooding in parts of Nagoya, while a tropical storm approaching eastern Japan could bring further disruption on Sunday and Monday.

Some athletes were reportedly stranded at the airport after transport failed to arrive, while several teams raised concerns about the quality of the temporary accommodation, including complaints that some beds were too short.

Another incident occurred on Friday when North Korea’s national anthem was played for South Korea’s men’s hockey team.

"This is a really serious problem," South Korea coach Min Tae-seok said.

Just hours before the opening ceremony on Saturday, India was also forced to change its flag-bearer after shot-putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor reportedly did not receive his ceremonial kit with his luggage. Kabaddi player Pawan Sehrawat is set to replace him, according to Indian media reports.

A spectacular Games

Despite the difficulties, organisers have promised that this year’s Asian Games, first held in 1951, will be "the most spectacular for generations".

Several competitions, including basketball, football and cricket, have already begun.

Traditional Olympic sports such as athletics and swimming will feature alongside popular Asian disciplines including sepak takraw and kabaddi.

The Games will also include eSports, breakdancing and BMX cycling as organisers seek to attract younger audiences. Padel and mixed martial arts will make their Asian Games debuts.

The line-up includes Philippine tennis star Alexandra Eala, 15-year-old Indian cricketer Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and 13-year-old Chinese swimmer Yu Zidi.

Yu is scheduled to begin her campaign in the pool on Sunday in the heats of the women’s 200-metre butterfly.

Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting will also compete, two years after winning Olympic gold in Paris amid a major gender eligibility controversy.

Hosts Japan will look to several Olympic champions, including gymnast Shinnosuke Oka and javelin thrower Haruka Kitaguchi, to deliver medals.

North Korea is sending more than 100 athletes across 14 sports, with the team aiming to "bring joy to Marshal Kim Jong Un".

China will again be expected to mount a strong challenge at the top of the medal standings after dominating the delayed 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, where it won 201 gold medals and 383 medals overall.

More than 800 Chinese athletes, including 36 Olympic champions, will compete in Nagoya and Aichi.

Sooryavanshi will be part of India’s cricket team, which will seek to build momentum ahead of cricket’s return to the Olympics at Los Angeles 2028 after a 128-year absence.

India could meet arch-rivals Pakistan in the final at Nagoya’s newly built cricket venue, although forecast rain could affect the schedule.