Japan's Emperor Naruhito officially declared the 20th Asian Games open on 19 September 2026 at Paloma Mizuho Stadium in Nagoya, with more than 11,000 athletes from 45 countries participating. The Games followed troubled preparations but launched with a spectacular opening ceremony.
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Japan’s Emperor Naruhito officially declared the Games open in the presence of Empress Masako, members of the Japanese imperial family, Olympic Council of Asia president Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani and International Olympic Committee president Kirsty Coventry. The Asian Games will be held from September 19 to October 4.
The 20th Asian Games opened in Nagoya, Japan, on September 19, with Emperor Naruhito declaring the Games open at Paloma Mizuho Stadium. More than 11,000 athletes from 45 countries and regions are competing through October 4 in 43 sports, with 469 gold medals available. The opening ceremony featured music, dance, fireworks, Japanese cultural performances and a parade of delegations. IOC President K