Asian Games to open in Japan after troubled build-up

The 20th Asian Games are set to kick off in Japan on Saturday amidst a tumultuous build-up. With more than 17,000 participants, the event surpasses even the scale of the Olympics. Organizers have been strained to accommodate everyone, resorting to a mix of container-style huts, hotels, and the cruise ship Costa Serena for housing.

The games, which commence with a ceremonial opening ceremony, are expected to award 468 gold medals across 45 sports. The inaugural gold medal is anticipated on Sunday during the men's individual triathlon. Throughout the ten-day span, the event will conclude on October 4.

The lineup includes global stars, but the Games have faced numerous challenges. To economize, there is no traditional athletes' village; instead, competitors reside in a combination of temporary structures, hotels, and the Costa Serena. Heavy rainfall last week flooded parts of Nagoya city, and a typhoon looms that could disrupt proceedings.

Several athletes encountered transport issues and have criticized the quality of housing, particularly the beds being too small. Despite these obstacles, organizers are confident this will be the most spectacular edition in years. Basketball, football, and cricket have already commenced, alongside regional favorites like sepak takraw and kabaddi.

In an effort to appeal to younger audiences, eSports, breakdancing, and BMX cycling will be featured. Notable competitors include Philippine tennis star Alexandra Eala and Indian cricketer Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, a 15-year-old prodigy. Additionally, 13-year-old Chinese swimmer Yu Zidi will make her debut in the heats of the women's 200m butterfly on Sunday.

Taiwan boxer Lin Yu-ting, who won gold at the 2020 Paris Olympics, will also compete, two years after her gold medal despite controversy over her eligibility. Host nation Japan aims to capitalize on its Olympic success, with gymnast Shinnosuke Oka and javelin thrower Haruka Kitaguchi representing the team.

North Korea, sending over 100 athletes across 14 sports, hopes to bring joy to leader Kim Jong Un. China, aiming for a medal tally surpassing their 201 golds and 383 total medals from the 2023 Hangzhou Games, will deploy more than 800 athletes, including 36 Olympic champions. Indian athletes, including aspiring cricketers, will vie for medals before cricket returns to the Olympics in Los Angeles after a 128-year hiatus.