Nagoya, Sept 2026 : The lights illuminated Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium, music filled the arena and athletes from across Asia gathered together as the 20th Asian Games were officially declared open on Saturday, marking the ceremonial beginning of one of the continent’s biggest sporting events.
Japan’s Emperor Naruhito formally declared the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games open, setting the stage for two weeks of competition involving thousands of athletes from across the continent.
For India, the opening ceremony carried its own significance as Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker and kabaddi star Pawan Sehrawat led the Indian contingent into the stadium. Holding the Indian tricolour high, the two athletes represented different sporting traditions while carrying the expectations of a nation that produced a record medal haul at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou.
Bhaker brought Olympic recognition to the occasion, while Sehrawat represented kabaddi, one of India’s most successful indigenous sporting disciplines. Sehrawat was also part of India’s gold-medal-winning kabaddi campaign at the previous Asian Games.
His presence as flagbearer, however, was the result of a last-minute change.
Shot putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor had initially been designated as India’s male flagbearer for the opening ceremony. However, a technical issue prevented Toor from participating, leading to Sehrawat stepping in alongside Bhaker.
Once the Indian contingent entered the stadium, the unexpected change quickly became secondary to the spectacle. The tricolour moved through the arena as Indian athletes waved to spectators, creating one of the first memorable moments of the Nagoya Games.
The opening ceremony itself combined elements of Japan’s traditional culture with contemporary performances, music and technology. The presentation sought to showcase the country’s heritage while reflecting its modern identity. The participation of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako among the dignitaries added further significance to the occasion.
Nagoya had spent days preparing for the arrival of athletes, officials and sporting delegations from across Asia. With the ceremony, the city moved from preparations into the celebratory phase of the Games.
For the athletes, though, the competition was about to begin in earnest.
The opening ceremony offered competitors a brief opportunity to stand together as part of the larger Asian sporting community. Soon, the focus would shift back to competition — from timing and technique to tactics, points and medal-winning performances.
India entered the Games with the memory of Hangzhou still fresh. At the 2023 Asian Games, the country recorded its best-ever performance at the continental event, winning 107 medals, including 28 golds.
That achievement has naturally created expectations around the Indian contingent in Nagoya. However, each edition of the Asian Games brings a different set of challenges and opportunities.
Established champions will look to add to their medal collections, while athletes appearing at their first Asian Games will seek to make their mark on the continental stage. For some, success could come down to a few seconds, a single bout, a decisive lift or one crucial performance in a final.
As the opening ceremony concluded, the flags, music and celebrations gave way to the sporting contest ahead.
For India and the rest of Asia’s athletes, the next chapter of the Nagoya Games was ready to begin.
