Japan lights torch as countdown begins to Asian Games
The 20th edition of the Games will be held in Japan's Nagoya and the wider Aichi area from Sept 19 to Oct 4.
Tokyo has lit the torch for the 20th edition of the Asian Games, which will be held in Nagoya and Aichi prefecture from September 19 to October 4. Japanese sprinter Yoshihide Kiryu performed the ceremony outside the National Stadium, where the 2021 Olympics took place. Kiryu stated that the Games would provide a moment of joy after fans were mostly locked out of the Olympics.
About 15,000 competitors and officials are expected to participate in the event. Among them will be Philippine tennis sensation Alexandra Eala and Indian cricketer Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, along with a 13-year-old Chinese swimmer, Yu Zidi. Organizers hope the diverse range of athletes will provide a unique experience for the Games.
The athletes will stay in temporary accommodation, including 571 cabins on the Italian cruise ship Costa Serena, wooden shipping container-style huts, and standard hotel rooms. The Games feature a variety of sports, including traditional disciplines and new events like mixed martial arts, padel, teqball, and virtual taekwondo. Esports returns after a successful debut in Hangzhou, aiming to inspire elderly people to stay mentally active.
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- Japan lights torch as countdown begins to Asian Games freemalaysiatoday.com
