Asian Games 2026 Opening Ceremony Live: Asian Games Offficially Declared Open

Led by a violin, an orchestra is bursting out a melodious tune at the opening ceremony.

Cultural programme is taking place.

Japan's Emperor Naruhito has officially declared the Asian Games open officially.

Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) President Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani thanks the volunteers, insisting their energy will elevate the level of Asian Games.

Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) President Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani is giving his opening address at the opening ceremony.

Asian Games organizing committee president Hideaki Omura addresses the Opening Ceremony.

Host Japan also has one of the largest contingents at the Asian Games 2026.

Romesh Tharanga Pathirage leads the 156-strong contingent at the Asian Games 2026 ceremony.

He posted on X, “All my best wishes to the #TeamIndia at the Asian Games 2026! I’m sure they will all make us proud.”

Pawan Sehrawat and Manue Bhaker lead the charge for the Indian contingent at the Asian Games opening ceremony.

China most probably has the largest contingent across various sports at the Asian Games.

Afghanistan is the first to enter the stadium, followed by Bahrain and Bangladesh.

Men from the Japanese self-defense forces will hoist the Japanese flag before the ceremony starts.

Various dignitaries, including the Emperor and Empress of Japan and IOC Chief, are in attendance.

Just ahead of their departure to Japan for the Asian Games on Sunday, the men's cricket team is facing a delay in the arrival of their kits.

As per PTI, some members of the cricket team are still waiting for their correctly sized kits, and BCCI has been in constant communication with JSW Inspire over the arrival of the kits. As per the report, most of the problems have been resolved and the kits will reach the cricketers shortly.

As per reports, hours before their early Sunday flight to Nagoya, members of the Indian camp are still waiting on correct kit sizes following repeated exchanges between the BCCI and kit supplier JSW Inspire.

Pawan Sehrawat: “It is a moment of immense pride for me. As I was saying, we have a set training schedule. Normally, whatever schedule our coaches or the IOA (Indian Olympic Association) decide, we train according to that. Today we had a gym session, and I had not slept since last night. After doing my gym session in the morning, I came straight here. So, I have been awake for many hours now, but I still have so much energy because of this opportunity—to carry my nation's flag in my hand. Even while talking about it right now, it feels surreal.”

Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) President HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani has met PT Usha at the official welcome reception ceremony.

India’s Quimcy Joaquim Dsouza bowed out in the women’s singles teqball semi-finals on Saturday and will now battle for the bronze medal.

Asian Games Opening ceremony will kick off at 2:30 PM IST. It will have a live telecast on Sony Sports Network and will have a live streaming on Sony LIV app and website.

Following reports of logistical mismanagement at the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) has set up a three-tier support structure. Indian officials are working alongside roughly 2,000 local Indian diaspora volunteers, who are on standby to provide emergency lodging, transportation, and overall logistical support to athletes.

Manu Bhaker: “Honestly, when I found out yesterday, I had all these flashback memories of my earlier days. And, you know, when I started, I never thought that this was where I could reach one day in my sport. So, it is definitely a very heartwarming feeling. I feel really proud, really honoured, and really, really happy to be chosen as the flag bearer for my country. I just want to say thank you to God and thank you to everyone for all the love and support."

Tajinderpal Singh Toor was designated as the official flag-bearer of India at the Asian Games 2026, but his kit has yet to reach India, and thus Pawan Sehrawat has been named as his replacement.