Asian Games: Torch relay starts in Nagoya ahead of opening next month

Nagoya, Japan marked the commencement of the 2023 Asian Games torch relay on Saturday, leading up to the upcoming competition slated for next month. Approximately 1,000 individuals were anticipated to transport the symbolic flame across Aichi Prefecture, the primary host of the event. Saori Yoshida, a three-time Olympic women's wrestling gold medalist hailing from neighboring Mie Prefecture, took the first step as the torchbearer, igniting the flame at Nagoya Castle and subsequently passing it on to locals for their journey through central Japan.

Yoshida expressed her enthusiasm, stating, "I've always been on the competing side, but this time I'm on the cheering side. I ran with the hope of giving the athletes energy." Prior to the relay, two additional flames were brought to Japan. Homare Sawa, the captain of Japan's 2011 Women's World Cup-winning team, and tennis legend Kimiko Date-Krumm contributed two flames from Tokyo and Hiroshima, cities that previously hosted the continental multi-sport event in 1958 and 1994, respectively.

These flames were merged with the Aichi lit flame to create the ceremonial torch for the Asian Games.

The torch's itinerary involves traveling across Aichi Prefecture, with additional stops in neighboring prefectures before culminating in the lighting of the cauldron during the opening ceremony at Paloma Mizuho Stadium on September 19. This is the first Summer Asian Games to be hosted in Japan in 32 years, featuring over 40 sports, including unique Asian disciplines like kabaddi and sepak takraw, from September 19 to October 4.

The games will predominantly take place in Nagoya and other cities within Aichi Prefecture, with select events also held in Tokyo and the prefectures of Gifu, Shizuoka, and Osaka. Following the main Asian Games, the Asian Para Games will occur from October 18 to 24.