The 20th Asian Games officially began in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, on Saturday, 19 September 2026. The opening ceremony marked the beginning of 16 days of sporting action, with athletes from across Asia coming together to represent their countries. As the Games got underway, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his best wishes to the Indian contingent, expressing pride in the athletes and their hard work.
The opening ceremony was a colourful celebration of Japanese culture, technology, and traditions. With the theme ‘Harmonic Heart Beat’, Japan welcomed athletes from across the continent. The ceremony celebrated the coming together of different nations through sport and marked Japan’s third time hosting the Asian Games, following Tokyo in 1958 and Hiroshima in 1994.
Japanese Emperor Naruhito officially declared the Games open. The ceremony was attended by Empress Masako, Crown Prince and Princess Akishino, and International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry. One of the special moments of the evening was the lighting of the cauldron by Olympic hammer throw champion Koji Murofushi and his father, Shigenobu Murofushi, who was a five-time Asian champion in the same event.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared his wishes for the Indian athletes through a post on X. He praised their hard work, dedication and determination, saying that the country was proud of them. He wrote, “As the Asian Games commence in Aichi-Nagoya, my best wishes to the Indian contingent. Each athlete has worked incredibly hard and shown remarkable dedication and determination. India is proud of them.”
He further added, “May they give their best, play well and shine!” His message brought encouragement to the Indian athletes as they began their journey at the Games.
The opening ceremony was also an emotional moment for Indian Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker. She carried the Indian flag alongside kabaddi star Pawan Sehrawat. While it was a proud occasion, Bhaker remembered her late coach, Jaspal Rana, who had also served as a flagbearer at the Asian Games.
After the ceremony, Bhaker shared her feelings, saying, “Missed Jaspal sir a lot today; he was a flagbearer at the Asian Games. It was indeed an emotional day without his presence by my side.” Her words reflected the special bond she shared with her coach and how much she missed him on such an important occasion.
More than 15,000 athletes from 45 countries and regions are taking part in the Asian Games, competing across 43 disciplines. Japan has the largest delegation, with 933 athletes representing the host nation.
With the opening ceremony now complete, the focus shifts to the sporting events, where athletes will compete with dedication, determination and the hope of bringing pride to their countries. For India, the Games are an opportunity for its athletes to showcase their talent and hard work on the international stage.
As the Indian contingent begins its campaign in Aichi-Nagoya, the nation looks forward to following the athletes’ performances and celebrating their achievements. The Asian Games have officially begun, bringing together athletes from across Asia for a memorable celebration of sport, unity and national pride.
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