The 20th Asian Games were officially opened today at the Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium in Japan, with Emperor Naruhito formally declaring the Games open.
The two-hour opening ceremony was attended by members of the Japanese royal family, Games officials and Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) President Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani.
India’s 501-member contingent took part in the athletes’ parade, led by double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker and kabaddi player Pawan Sehrawat. Sehrawat stepped in as the male flag-bearer after shot putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor did not receive his ceremonial kit in time.
Several competitions had already begun ahead of the opening ceremony. In women’s cricket, India booked a place in the semifinals after defeating Japan by eight wickets on Friday. India will take on Bangladesh in the second semifinal in Nisshin tomorrow.
Teqball is also making its Asian Games debut in Aichi-Nagoya. India’s Quimcy D’Souza lost 1-2 to Indonesia’s Ima Sumaya in the women’s singles semifinal and will face Japan’s Yuina Sakamoto in the bronze-medal match tomorrow.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his best wishes to the Indian contingent as the Games got underway. In his message, he said the athletes had shown tremendous hard work, dedication and determination, adding that the country was proud of their efforts. He wished the Indian athletes success at the Games and hoped they would perform well and shine on the Asian Games stage.
