The 2026 Asian Games opened in Nagoya, Japan, with a ceremony attended by the country's emperor, who declared the competition officially underway, according to France 24. The event began after what France 24 described as a troubled build-up, with multiple outlets reporting difficulties in the lead-up to the Games.
Coverage of the opening was carried by several regional and international outlets. ABS-CBN reported that Japan's emperor declared the Asian Games open following a turbulent preparation period. Rappler described the ceremony as glitzy, noting it took place after a troubled buildup. The Manila Times reported that Team Philippines was ready for the opening ceremony, while Inquirer.net highlighted tennis player Alex Eala among the stars to watch as the Games got underway amid the reported challenges.
The reports did not specify the nature of the difficulties that marked the preparations, and no further details on the build-up were provided in the available material. What is clear from the coverage is that the Games have now formally begun in Nagoya, with the opening ceremony marking the start of competition.
The Asian Games bring together athletes from across the region, and the coming days will show how the competition unfolds following the reported issues before the event. Attention now turns to the sporting action itself, with names such as Eala drawing early interest from regional media.