Asian Games 2026 Opening Ceremony Highlights: Japan Emperor Naruhito declares Asiad open

And with that, the spectacular Asian Games opening ceremony in Aichi-Nagoya comes to an end.

From the vibrant performances and Parade of Nations to the lighting of the cauldron, it has been an evening filled with colour, culture and sporting spirit.

The celebrations have set the stage for the action ahead, with athletes from across Asia now ready to compete, chase medals and create unforgettable moments. Let the Games begin!

Here’s what to expect from India at the Asian Games! 🇮🇳 A 501-athlete contingent will represent the country across the Games, bringing a mix of youth and experience to the continental stage.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is the youngest member of the Indian contingent, while equestrian Shruti Vora, 55, is the oldest.

From established stars to emerging talents, Team India will look to make its mark across a packed sporting programme in Aichi-Nagoya.

The moment has arrived!

The Asian Games cauldrons are being lit at the Paloma Mizuho Stadium, marking one of the most iconic moments of the opening ceremony.

As the flames come alive, the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games officially enter a new chapter.

Former Japanese badminton star Ayaka Takahashi carries the Asian Games flame during the opening ceremony in Aichi-Nagoya.

Takahashi made history at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, winning women's doubles gold alongside Yuki Fukushima. She also claimed Asian Games gold in women's doubles at Jakarta-Palembang 2018.

Japanese wrestling star Akari Fujinami carries the Asian Games flame during the opening ceremony in Aichi-Nagoya. The Paris 2024 Olympic champion in the women's 53kg category, Fujinami is also one of Japan's biggest sporting stars and was named a flag-bearer for the Games.

A brief but symbolic ceremony took place at the stadium as the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) flag was hoisted, marking another significant moment of the opening celebrations.

The ceremony then moved back into its vibrant performances, with the spotlight now shifting towards the rich spirit, culture and heritage of Nagoya.

Here, we are introduced to Honohon, the official mascot of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.

Derived from an old Japanese word for “flame,” Honoho represents the burning passion, energy and determination of athletes competing at the continental sporting extravaganza.

The mascot embodies the spirit of competition while adding a distinctly Japanese touch to the Games, symbolising the fire that drives athletes to chase their dreams and create sporting history.

The Asian Games are officially open!

Emperor Naruhito of Japan has declared the 20th edition of the continental sporting extravaganza open in Aichi-Nagoya, bringing the spectacular opening ceremony to a historic moment.

With athletes from across Asia now set to battle for glory, the Games have officially begun.

The stage is set, the excitement is soaring and the pursuit of medals is underway!

Now, Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani is addressing the audience at the Asian Games opening ceremony in Aichi-Nagoya. The President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) is speaking at the Paloma Mizuho Stadium as the Games officially get underway.

His address comes during a spectacular opening ceremony that has brought together athletes and officials from across the continent, marking the beginning of another major celebration of Asian sport.

The Governor of Aichi Prefecture, Omura Hideaki, addressed the athletes and spectators at the Paloma Mizuho Stadium during the Asian Games opening ceremony.

His address is being delivered in Japanese. His presence adds to the significance of the occasion as Aichi and Nagoya welcome athletes from across Asia for the 20th edition of the continental sporting extravaganza.

Neeraj Chopra may be missing from the Asian Games this time, but his support for Team India remains strong.

The two-time Olympic medallist, ruled out after an ankle ligament injury, said missing the Games is difficult and that he will be backing the Indian contingent from the sidelines.

Chopra, who won Asian Games gold in 2018 and 2023, wished the athletes in Nagoya well and urged them to create memories of their ow

What an opening ceremony it has been so far at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games!

The 20th edition of the continental extravaganza has brought together athletes from 45 nations, with Nagoya hosting the grand celebration under the theme “HEART BEAT Aichi-Nagoya.”

India’s Manu Bhaker and Pawan Sehrawat proudly led the contingent as flag-bearers, adding to the excitement of a spectacular evening celebrating sport, culture and unity across Asia.

The Parade of Nations has come to an end, with hosts Japan bringing the spectacular procession to a close at the Asian Games opening ceremony.

The host nation stepped out in style with its contingent, marking the end of a vibrant parade that showcased athletes from across Asia coming together for the continental sporting extravaganza.

Here are more glimpses from the Asian Games opening ceremony in Aichi-Nagoya, featuring Indian sporting stars Pawan Sehrawat and Manu Bhaker. From the vibrant celebrations to the unmistakable energy of Team India, the duo added to the excitement of the grand opening.

Here comes India! The Tricolour is now making its way through Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium, with Manu Bhaker and Pawan Sehrawat proudly leading the Indian contingent into the ceremony.

It is a special moment in Nagoya, although the parade looks a little different this time, with India’s athletes missing from the march due to the ongoing kit issue. Manu and Pawan carry the flag as the Indian delegation takes its place among Asia’s sporting nations.

The parade is gathering pace, with Bangladesh, China, Bhutan and DPR Korea among the next contingents making their way into the stadium. But there’s still one big wait for the Indian contingent.

Manu Bhaker and Pawan Sehrawat are waiting in the wings, ready to lead India into Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium with the Tricolour. The moment is getting closer!

Here we go!

The athletes are finally making their way into Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium, with Afghanistan leading the way as the first contingent into the arena, followed by Bahrain.

The parade is officially underway, with athletes from across Asia getting their moment in the spotlight. India’s turn will come later, and that one is going to be worth the wait.

A moment of pride in Nagoya. Kaiko Toda has delivered a rendition of the Japanese national anthem as the Japanese flag takes centre stage at the Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium.

The ceremony is ticking through its formal opening moments, and with the anthem done, attention now turns to the part everyone has been waiting for: the athlete parade.

The athlete parade is almost here, but first comes a special Japanese touch. Nine members of Japan’s Self-Defence Forces have marched out carrying the national flag, setting up the formal flag ceremony.

Up next, the Japanese flag will be hoisted, followed by Kaiko Toda’s rendition of the Japanese national anthem. Then, it will finally be time for the athletes to march into the stadium.

Japan is setting the tone in style! Traditional Japanese performers have kicked off the opening ceremony with a lively mix of dance and music, bringing plenty of colour and energy to the Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium.

And they had quite the finale. The entire crew lined up in formation to spell out a giant ‘WELCOME’ sign, giving the opening act a neat little flourish before the ceremony moves on.