20th Asian Games Set to Kick Off in Japan for 16-Day Run

NAGOYA, Japan (AP) — The president of the Olympic Council of Asia expressed disappointment on Saturday that politics had intruded into the Asian Games. Specifically, he referenced a welcoming ceremony that included Taiwan. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, speaking to the media, emphasized that he believes politics should not have a place in sports. He was speaking just hours before the games officially kicked off.

The Asian Games, which began several days earlier, saw participation from up to 17,000 athletes and officials, with some housed on a cruise ship. Sheikh Joaan expressed his disapproval of the involvement of politics in the games, stating that the Olympic Council of Asia does not mix sports with politics.

The controversy arose from an incident on Friday, where Taiwan's sports minister, Lee Yang, was briefly barred from a welcoming ceremony and flag-raising. Lee was later allowed to participate after it was determined to be a misunderstanding. He is a two-time Olympic gold medalist in badminton, having won gold in 2020 and 2024.

Taiwan competes in the Asian Games and Olympics under the name Chinese Taipei and uses a team rather than a flag due to China's claim over the island off its eastern coast. Taiwan media reported that the OCA had issued an order barring Lee's participation, an order that Taiwan officials were unable to produce.

Despite the incident, the Chinese Taipei Olympic Committee, led by Chen Shih-kwei, remained steadfast in their commitment to the Olympic spirit. They insisted on attending all events equally and with dignity, insisting on their right to participate despite the perceived suppression.