Asian Olympic boss says politicians need to stay out of sport at Nagoya Games

At the Nagoya Asian Games, OCA President Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani has stated that politicians should refrain from involvement in sports. This assertion came in response to a diplomatic incident involving Taiwan government official Lee Yang. Initially barred from a flag-raising ceremony, Lee's protest led to a standoff, but he was eventually allowed entry after more than an hour.

Taiwan's cabinet subsequently criticized Lee for experiencing "unreasonable obstruction" in the Games. Sheikh Joaan, however, emphasized that athletes should be the primary focus during the quadrennial Games, asserting that politics has no place in sports. OCA Director General Husain Al-Musallam echoed this sentiment, stating that the flag-raising ceremony was intended for participants, not government delegates.

The Nagoya Games, featuring a record 43 sports and 469 medal events, have been marred by organizational issues, including transport and accommodation challenges for athletes. Despite these concerns, the OCA defended the Games' size and scope, highlighting its debut of "virtual" taekwondo, while retaining breaking and esports.