Asian Games Open in Aichi-Nagoya as India Begins Medal Quest
Emperor Naruhito officially opens the 20th Asian Games as Manu Bhaker and Pawan Sehrawat lead India's 501-member contingent at the Parade of Nations.
The 20th Asian Games officially opened in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, on Saturday, with Emperor Naruhito declaring the Games open during a colourful ceremony at the Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium.
Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker and kabaddi star Pawan Sehrawat carried the Indian flag during the Parade of Nations, leading India's contingent as athletes from across Asia gathered for the continental sporting event.
The opening ceremony was attended by Empress Masako, members of Japan's imperial family, Olympic Council of Asia president Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani and International Olympic Committee president Kirsty Coventry.
The ceremony featured the Japanese national anthem, cultural performances and the introduction of Honohon, the official mascot of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. The mascot's name is derived from an old Japanese word for flame and represents the energy and determination associated with sporting competition.
Bhaker, who won two bronze medals at the Paris 2024 Olympics, will compete in the women's 10m air pistol, women's 25m pistol and 10m air pistol mixed team events. Sehrawat, meanwhile, will be part of India's attempt to defend its men's kabaddi title.
Sehrawat was named India's male flag-bearer after shot putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor was replaced because he did not receive his ceremonial kit in time due to technical issues. Sehrawat was part of the Indian men's kabaddi team that won gold at the Hangzhou Asian Games.
India has sent a 501-member contingent competing across 36 sports. The country enters the Games looking to build on its record performance at Hangzhou, where it collected 106 medals, including 28 gold, and finished fourth in the overall standings.
Some competitions began before the formal opening ceremony. India's women's cricket team has already reached the semi-finals after defeating hosts Japan by eight wickets, while football, basketball and other events are also underway.
The Games feature athletes from 45 countries along with the OCA Refugee Team. Around 11,000 athletes are expected to participate, with 469 gold medals available across the programme.
Alongside traditional Olympic disciplines, the programme includes sports such as kabaddi and sepak takraw. Esports returns after its Asian Games debut in Hangzhou, while teqball and virtual taekwondo are making their Asian Games debuts.
The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games will run from September 19 to October 4, with India's athletes now beginning their push to improve upon the country's record medal haul from the previous edition.