Asian Games open in Nagoya with celebration of solidarity and Japanese culture

The 20th Asian Games commenced in Nagoya, Japan on September 19th, marking the first time in 32 years that the regional sporting event returned to the country. A low-key ceremony took place at the 30,000-seat Paloma Mizuho Stadium to celebrate Asian solidarity and local history. The Games will run until October 4th, with some sports like volleyball, basketball, and football already underway.

Singapore's contingent of 304 athletes will compete in 27 sports. The build-up to the Games has been marred by accommodation complaints from teams and reports of tepid public interest, including empty seats during the opening ceremony. Some athletes arrived at the airport hours late, while heavy rain flooded Nagoya last week. The opening ceremony began with a violin solo by Taro Hakase and a heart-shaped formation by citizen dancers, followed by the Japanese national anthem and the raising of the national flag.

Emperor Naruhito declared the Games open, and gold medalist father and son Murofushi lit the cauldron. Games president Hideaki Ohmura emphasized sports' power to unite people across borders, despite ongoing regional conflicts. Singapore's athletes, nearly two-thirds of whom were competing in their debut Asian Games, were led out by kayaker Brandon Ooi and fencer Kiria Tikanah, with mixed emotions expressed by both.

The nation's athletes aim to secure nearly 19,000 medals, surpassing the number of participants at the Olympics.