Japanese opening of the 20th Asian Games

Nagoya – The Olympic Committee

The 20th Asian Games (Aichi-Nagoya 2026) officially opened yesterday in Nagoya, Japan. The event will run until October 4 and features extensive participation from across the Asian continent.

The opening ceremony was held at Mizuho Park Stadium in Nagoya amidst a spectacular celebratory atmosphere. Attendees included Dr. Tariq Al-Jalahma, Minister of State for Youth and Sports Affairs and head of the Kuwaiti delegation; Sheikh Fahad Al-Nasser, President of the Olympic Committee; along with several official dignitaries and presidents of Olympic committees from participating countries.

Sheikh Jowain bin Hamad Al-Thani, President of the Asian Olympic Council, stated, “When the world needed it most, Japan was always up to the responsibility,” referring to the Tokyo Olympics, which were postponed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He described those Games as an “exceptional display of resilience, hospitality, and commitment.”

This marks the third time Japan has hosted the Asian Games, following the 1958 Tokyo and 1994 Hiroshima editions. The current edition sees the participation of more than 11,000 male and female athletes representing 45 Asian countries and regions, competing in 43 different sports for the colorful medals.

Flag Bearers

Kuwaiti sports are making a distinguished appearance with a delegation of 120 male and female athletes competing in 16 diverse sports.

The parade of nations during the opening ceremony featured an exceptional moment for the Kuwaiti delegation, as shooting champion Sarah Al-Hawail and athletics champion Ibrahim Al-Dhufairi were honored with the privilege of carrying the Kuwaiti flag.

The two champions expressed immense pride in this historic moment, affirming that carrying the national flag at this major continental event represents a badge of honor and a doubled responsibility to place Kuwait at the forefront of the competition. They emphasized that this eagerly awaited moment serves as a significant moral boost for them and all their fellow athletes to deliver their best performances and ascend the podiums.

Through this participation, the Kuwaiti delegation aims to deliver a dignified performance and continue the rich record of Kuwaiti sports in the Asian Games, particularly in disciplines where Kuwait has traditionally excelled, such as shooting, athletics, handball, and martial arts.

“Tik Ball” Aims for Bronze

Kuwait’s national Tik Ball player, Zaid Al-Aidan, sustained a hamstring injury during his semifinal match against the South Korean player, forcing him to withdraw from the game.

Al-Aidan was scheduled to compete in the third-place (bronze medal) match against the Indonesian player, but the injury will prevent him from participating.

In related news, the duo of Abdulwahab Al-Qattan and Basel Ahmad lost to the Lebanese team 1-2 in the semifinal, setting up a match against the Indonesian team for third place.

Today’s Competitions

Kuwait’s national katas player, Dalal Al-Saied, will begin her participation in the women’s individual kata competition in the Round of 32 this morning. She will be followed by player Abdullah Shaaban in the kumite 60kg weight class, who will also compete in the Round of 32.

Swimmer Khalid Al-Otaibi will also compete today in the qualifying heats for the men’s 200m individual medley.

In a separate development, Dr. Tariq Al-Jalahma, Minister of State for Youth and Sports Affairs and head of the Kuwaiti delegation, and Sheikh Fahad Al-Nasser, President of the Kuwait Olympic Committee, signed a hosting agreement with Sheikh Jowain bin Hamad Al-Thani, President of the Asian Olympic Council, for Kuwait to host the first Asian Games for Esports and Mind Sports in 2027.