The 20th Asian Games opened in Japan with Dr Ahmed Balhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sport and Vice President of the UAE National Olympic Committee, using the occasion to share a vision that goes beyond winning medals. For Al Falasi, the Games are a chance to show how sport can connect people and celebrate the diversity of Asia.
He attended the ceremony with a UAE delegation that included Shihab Ahmed Mohammed Abdul Rahim Al Faheem, the UAE's ambassador to Japan, Faris Mohammed Al Matoua, Secretary General of the National Olympic Committee, Ghanem Mubarak Al Hajeri, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Sport, and board members Hanan Al Mahmoud and Amal Bushlach. The opening took place on September 19, 2026, in Nagoya, with Emperor Naruhito presiding, according to Reuters. Events are being held across Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya until October 4.
"The Asian Games in Nagoya have brought together over 11,000 athletes from 45 countries and regions, making it one of the largest multi-sport events in the world."
- Reuters
Al Falasi described the Games as a major event for the continent, giving athletes from across Asia a rare chance to compete in an atmosphere of respect and fair play. He said this setting encourages both sporting achievement and stronger cultural understanding between nations. The UAE has sent 165 athletes-117 men and 48 women-who are competing in 23 sports, including athletics, swimming, taekwondo, padel, football, esports, equestrian, cycling, shooting, and judo, as reported by ARN News Centre.
The UAE's approach to international competition has shifted in recent years, with more attention on both results and the wider diplomatic and cultural impact of sport. This is in line with other recent initiatives, such as the Special Olympics delegation, which also highlighted the role of sport in promoting inclusion and regional cooperation.
"For the first time in its history, the UAE is participating in modern pentathlon and padel at the Asian Games, marking a significant step in expanding its sporting presence on the continental stage. This debut reflects the nation's ambition to diversify its athletic portfolio and compete in emerging disciplines."
- The National
As the Games continue, UAE athletes carry the hopes of their country and the responsibility to represent values of respect, diversity, and ambition. Al Falasi's message is clear: for the UAE, events like the Asian Games are about building connections and showing national progress, not just winning medals. This approach shapes how the country's performance in Japan will be viewed. According to Reuters, despite the scale of the opening and the number of participants, organizers faced operational and logistical challenges, highlighting the complexity of hosting such a large international event.
