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The Asian Games Are Open with More Athletes than the Summer Olympics and some Unfamiliar Sports
On Saturday, September 19, Emperor Naruhito officially declared the 20th Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games open at the Paloma Mizuho Stadium. The 'Harmonic Heart Beat' themed ceremony launched a 16-day competition featuring roughly 11,000 athletes from 45 nations.
Japanese organizers opted against building a dedicated athletes' village to save costs, housing approximately 17,000 participants in cruise ships and converted containers. Athletes reported complaints about cramped accommodations and leaks before the Games began.
The organizing committee apologized after mistakenly playing North Korea's national anthem before a field hockey match between South Korea and Bangladesh. Officials temporarily barred Taiwan's sports minister Lee Yang from a welcoming ceremony, later allowing his participation.
Competitors are chasing 469 gold medals across 43 sports, with the Games serving as a qualification route for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Events like basketball began prior to the opening, establishing a packed schedule until October 4.
Showcasing Aichi's industrial and technological identity, the 16-day multi-sport gathering blends heritage with innovation throughout the Games. Japan hosts the event for the third time, positioning it to challenge China's historical dominance on the medal table.