Sheikh Joaan joins torch relay for Asian Games 2026

Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, the President of the Olympic Council of Asia and the Qatar Olympic Committee, participated in the torch relay for the upcoming 20th Asian Games in Aichi–Nagoya, Japan. The torch relay featured other OCA vice-presidents, National Olympic Committee representatives, and well-known figures from the sports community.

The flame, symbolizing athletes' passion and aspirations, began its journey in Tokyo on August 18, traveling to Hiroshima before reaching Nagoya. The relay concluded on September 17 and 18, coinciding with the arrival of the 20th Asian Games, which will see 45 National Olympic Committees compete from September 24 to October 4. Qatar will be represented by 16 athletes in five field events and six track events, all aiming to secure medals.

Prominent Qatari athletes like Mutaz Barshim, Abderrahman Samba, and Ashraf Elseify have previously claimed medals at the Olympic, world, continental, and regional levels, bringing extensive experience to the continental Games. The athletics competitions will be held from September 24 to 29, with field events taking place at the Nagoya track and field venue.

Track events, including the 400m hurdles, 400m, 800m, 1,500m, and 3,000m steeplechase, as well as the mixed relay and 4x400m relay, are expected to be highly competitive.