Ben Romdhane: We respect Al-Ittihad’s stars, ready for Asian debut

The Asian Games commenced in Japan on Thursday with Qatar defeating Iran in men's basketball, marking the initial event in the multi-sport extravaganza that boasts more participants than the Olympics. Approximately 17,000 athletes and officials are anticipated to compete in 43 sports during the Nagoya-Aichi Games, scheduled to run from September 19 to October 4.

The opening ceremony, however, is not until September 19. Various events, including basketball, football, cricket, hockey, and modern pentathlon, will commence before the ceremony. Qatar secured a 59-53 victory over Iran in their Group B match at the Aichi International Arena in Nagoya, in the first men's basketball contest. The winner will qualify for the semifinals on September 20, the day following the opening ceremony, according to Qatar's Michael Lewis, who scored 21 points.

"We realize we need to secure at least one win to advance," Lewis commented. "It's great to regain some team spirit, now we must continue our efforts." In another Group B encounter, Taiwan outscored Jordan 83-80. Several sports offer Los Angeles 2028 Olympics qualifying spots at the Asian Games, which are returning to Japan for the first time since 1994.

Accommodations range from cruise liners and wooden containers to standard hotel rooms for the athletes, whose stay is expected to be a 'unique experience'. Organizers are confident that the arrangement will not be impacted by Japan's typhoon season, which typically peaks in September-October. Weather disruptions have already occurred, with heavy rain on Tuesday causing temporary evacuations in some athlete lodgings and rainwater seeping into certain competition venues.

The Games will witness participation from notable figures such as Philippine tennis star Alexandra Eala and teenage talents Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, an Indian cricketer, and Yu Zidi, a Chinese swimmer.