Colorful Start to the 20th Asian Games in Japan

 

 

The 20th Asian Games kicked off with a spectacular ceremony in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. Emperor Naruhito of Japan officially declared the Games open during the grand event held at the Paloma Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium. Dignitaries including Empress Masako, Crown Prince Akishino, and Olympic Council of Asia President Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani joined Emperor Naruhito at the ceremony.

Aichi Prefecture Governor Hideaki Omura addressed the athletes and spectators. The festivities began with a rendition of the Japanese national anthem by Kaiko Toda and an aerial display by the 'Blue Impulse' aircraft.

India is represented by 503 athletes competing across 36 sports disciplines at this edition of the Games.