Jouan bin Hamad: Asia is the most diverse in Olympic movement

In remarks marking one month until the opening of the Games, Bin Hamad said that Japan, with its distinguished record of hosting major sporting events, would set a new standard for future editions by empowering youth and inspiring the next generation of Asian athletes.

The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and the organizing committee yesterday (Wednesday) celebrated the one-month countdown to the largest multi-sport event on the continent, which Japan will host from September 19 to October 4 next year. More than 11,000 athletes, along with 6,000 coaches and officials representing 45 countries, will compete in 43 sports and 71 disciplines for 1,407 medals across 469 events, in a edition expected to serve as a historic celebration of Asian sport.

This marks the third time Japan has had the honor of hosting the Asian Games, following Tokyo in 1958 and Hiroshima in 1994. Athletes will gather under the slogan “Imagine One Asia,” supported by 10,200 volunteers, extensive media coverage involving 5,300 accredited journalists, and massive global public interest.

For his part, OCA General Secretary Hussain Al-Musallam affirmed that Aichi-Nagoya will create lasting memories for millions across Asia and the world, strengthen lifelong bonds of friendship through sport, and entrench values of peace through diversity, leaving a legacy that will resonate throughout the continent.

As the countdown begins, Asian nations stand united, preparing for sixteen days of top-level competition in an exceptional celebration that brings the continent together under the banner of sport, unity, friendship, and peace.